Two Baylor University graduates and two current Baylor seniors were selected this spring to receive the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, bringing the total number of Baylor Fulbright recipients since 2001 to 36.

The Fulbright Program, which is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, selects participants based on their academic merit and leadership potential. Through the program, students are provided opportunities for one academic year to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Each applicant must submit recommendations from faculty who can speak to his or her qualifications.

Leigh Ann Ganzar, BS '11 (biology),MPH '13

FROM: Littleton, Colo.

FULBRIGHT: English Teaching Assistantship to Brazil

IN HER WORDS: "I decided to apply for the Fulbright after returning from Brazil last summer. I spent five weeks there with the Baylor in Brazil program studying global health and participating in health education activities in communities. The people, culture and language left an indelible impression on me, and I couldn't imagine not returning to the country."

FROM THE PROF: "Prior to the [Baylor in Brazil] trip, Leigh Ann invested considerable time trying to learn the language and understand the culture. From the moment we arrived, she was fearless in trying to connect and communicate with the Brazilian children, adolescents and adults we served. ... To echo the words of a public health professional who is currently supervising Leigh Ann's community-based internship work in Houston, 'I could use three Leigh Anns in this work.'" -- Dr. Eva Doyle, MS '84, director, master of public health program

Randall Fowler, BA '12 (religion and communication)

FROM: Abilene, Texas

FULBRIGHT: English Teaching Assistantship
to Jordan

IN HIS WORDS: "I chose Jordan for a myriad of reasons, but one of my primary motivations was that the Jordanian people and government highly value education. Jordan does not have oil or other natural resources like many other Arab nations, so it has sought to build its economy through innovation and education. I will be teaching English for 25-30 hours a week, and I hope to spend the rest of my time supporting community development initiatives to help refugees, minorities and the poor."

FROM THE PROF: "Randall has stood out to me since I first met him, as he is a gentle giant. He stands tall and confident but is also a kind, caring guy who has one of the biggest hearts for service in a person that I have ever encountered. He is a brilliant young man who is also conscientious, ethical and personable, so in other words, it is not surprising to see him receive this amazing honor of a Fulbright." -- Dr. Blair Browning, BA '95, MA '99, assistant professor of communication

Taylor Kohn, BA '13 (University Scholar)

FROM: Wichita, Kan.

FULBRIGHT: Will pursue a master's of philosophy in instrumentation in the United Kingdom

IN HIS WORDS: "I will be studying at the University of Manchester, pursuing a master's of philosophy in instrumentation ... using secondary mass spectrometry to identify early signs of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer's disease. ... This type of research is only occurring at four or five places in the world, so it will give me an incredible opportunity to study an emerging and exciting field."

FROM THE PROF: "I am willing to state [Taylor] is the very best undergraduate student researcher that I have known in my entire career in higher education. ... Taylor has pushed the boundaries of his intellectual abilities every semester through research, coursework and extracurricular activities. ... He is a natural and talented leader who is committed to supporting his peers and the community around him." -- Dr. Rich Sanker, director of prehealth science studies

Brent Salter, BA '13 (international studies and journalism)

FROM: Bulverde, Texas

FULBRIGHT: English Teaching Assistantship to Moldova

IN HIS WORDS: "Baylor is the only university to which I applied; I just knew this is where I wanted to be. During my high school years, I noticed many of the people who I respected -- the ones I looked up to -- happened to be Baylor alumni. Not only were each of these people successful personally and professionally, but their lives were centered on integrity and faith. I wanted to be the same way; to have that green and gold thread woven through my life."

FROM THE PROF: "I have known Brent since his sophomore year when he joined Model United Nations. Traveling with the students to various conferences, I have the privilege of getting to know them well. Brent possesses a unique combination of intelligence, hard work, humility and affability, which make him an excellent ambassador for Baylor and a worthy recipient of the Fulbright. Moreover, I think he is a student who tries to be a citizen of the world, taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and experience different cultures during his undergraduate career." -- Rebecca Flavin, lecturer in political science