Dear Friends of Fulbright,
It is an honor to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Fulbright Association. I step into this role with gratitude for the decades of leadership that built our organization and with deep commitment to carrying forward the Fulbright mission at this critical time.
In recent months, we have faced both challenges and progress regarding the future of international exchange. Earlier this year, the White House’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal included deep cuts to educational and cultural exchange programs, including Fulbright. In response, our community mobilized to advocate for the program’s vital role in global engagement. Thanks to these efforts and bipartisan recognition of Fulbright’s impact, the draft appropriations bill released on July 14 includes $287.8 million in funding for the Fulbright Program, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to academic diplomacy and people-to-people exchange. While this is a positive step, we must remain vigilant and continue to #StandforFulbright to secure the program’s future.
A Global Network Shaping the Future
With 54 local chapters, the Fulbright Association strengthens connections among alumni across the country and around the world. Our chapters are the heart of this network—building community, advancing advocacy, fostering mentorship, and creating opportunities for Fulbrighters to make an impact long after their exchange. I am inspired by the volunteer leaders who make this work possible and grateful for their dedication and service. By working in partnership, we are shaping the future of Fulbright and amplifying its legacy of global understanding. If you are not yet connected to your local chapter, I encourage you to learn more and get involved.
Looking Toward Miami
This fall, we will come together as a global community at the 48th Annual Fulbright Conference (#FACON25), October 24–26, hosted by Florida International University in Miami. With the theme United We Stand, the conference will highlight alumni achievements, strengthen our advocacy, and bring our community together to chart a course forward. I hope you will join us for this extraordinary moment of connection and purpose.
Share Your Fulbright Photo
As I begin this journey with you, I invite you to join our new initiative: the Fulbright Photo Collection Campaign. We are asking each alum to share one photo from your Fulbright experience—an image that captures the spirit of exchange, discovery, or connection. These photos will form a living archive of Fulbright’s impact, amplifying our advocacy and storytelling efforts.
Standing Together
The challenges before us are real, but so is our resolve. The Fulbright Association will continue to defend, celebrate, and expand the power of international exchange. I look forward to working alongside each of you as we connect, engage, and grow—together.
With gratitude and determination,
Tammy Hettinger
Executive Director
Fulbright Association
One Response
My name is Quí-Phiệt Tran. I was a Vietnam 2000 Fulbrighter. I have published a memoir based on my teaching experience at Vietnam National University in HCM City during 1999-2000 and would like to share it with my colleagues in our Newsletter. Please help. Thank you.