The Fulbright Program recognizes CofC as one of the universities with the highest number of students and recent alumni selected for the prestigious program
February 3, 2026
Three College of Charleston alumni are currently abroad building cross-cultural connections and furthering their education as part of the 2025-26 Fulbright Program, helping propel the university to a top spot in a nationally competitive award.
The most recent awardees are Jack Watson ’24, who majored in international studies and French and Francophone studies, Rhiannon Wilkinson ’25, who majored in international studies and German and Madison McKnight ’25, a graduate of the international studies and history programs who minored in Spanish.
Watson and Wilkinson were named English teaching assistants at schools in Algiers and Germany, respectively. McKnight receive
Fulbright Top Producing Institutions such as the College of Charleston place high value on fostering global connections and supporting members of their campus communities across the United States to pursue international opportunities.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a top-producing institution,” says Sidney Woram, associate director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (NCA).
Woram sees about 20 Fulbright Program applications each year and provides direct support to each and every one. “Being designated as a Top Producer is a testament to our commitment to fostering student growth and an acknowledgement that our students have the cultural sensitivity and curiosity needed to represent the U.S. abroad,” she says.
“This recognition shines a spotlight on our academic excellence and global engagement,” says College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu. “Fulbright students elevate the scholarly profile of the College of Charleston, and the impact of their work abroad extends well beyond their individual experiences, strengthening our institution’s academic distinction and reinforcing our reputation as a top university.”
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Each year, it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science, and industry through international exchange and collaboration. Fulbright Alumni achieve distinction and are recognized as leaders in government, business, science, technology, research, education, and the arts.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating
Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world and have included 44 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders all sectors and industries across the United States and around the world.
For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty, attracts students from across the U.S. and
