Middlebury College has been recognized as a top producer of Fulbright recipients for the 16th year in a row by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program.
For the 2025–26 academic year, seven students and two faculty members from Middlebury earned Fulbright awards. The college is one of only seven institutions named as a top producer for both Fulbright U.S. Students and Fulbright U.S. Scholars this year.
“I’m thrilled to see so many Middlebury students and alumni apply for Fulbright grants to teach English, conduct research, and pursue graduate study,” said Lisa Gates, associate dean for fellowships. “It’s a tremendous opportunity and wonderful chance to immerse yourself in another country and culture—which aligns closely with Middlebury’s educational values. We are proud to be a strong supporter of the Fulbright program.”
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State listed 114 institutions as Top Producers for both student and scholar programs this year. Middlebury ranked among the top 21 baccalaureate-degree–granting institutions for student awards, as well as among the top 65 colleges and universities overall.
Recipients include graduating seniors from the Class of 2025 who applied while still students, along with alumni.
Maya Watson ’25 has been teaching English at Comrat State University in Gagauzia, Moldova, where she also leads an English conversation club open to the community. “I have really enjoyed getting to know my students and watching them become more comfortable speaking English in that environment,” said Watson, who also teaches introductory courses for employees in the prosecutor’s office and members of the national guard. “This was initially intimidating, but I have been pleasantly surprised by how welcoming both groups have been.”
Samuel Hughes ’25 has spent five months teaching English to high school students in Soroca, Moldova, while participating in cultural events across Moldova through work with the U.S. Embassy. “Doing a Fulbright is an experience that teaches you things you wouldn’t learn anywhere else,” he said. “I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to immerse myself in another culture while representing ours abroad.”
The global impact of the Fulbright program includes producing heads of state or government, Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and other leaders who help strengthen ties between countries.
Middlebury’s 2024-2025 student recipients are:
– Catherine Marie Sorokin ’25 (Estonia)
– Julia Lininger-White ’25 (Portugal)
– Kemal Gaye ’25 (Taiwan)
– Maya Clare Watson ’25 (Moldova)
– Michael James Feeney ’25 (Italy)
– Samuel Alexander Hughes ’25 (Moldova)
– Sydney Armor ’25 (Austria)
Faculty scholars awarded include Ajay Verghese, associate professor of political science studying local dynamics of political Hinduism in India; and William Waldron, professor of religion studying Five Buddha Families in Nepal.
