SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 2, 2025 – Recent Drury University graduate Hailey Brown ‘25 has been chosen as a Fulbright Scholar and will represent Drury and the United States as an English teaching assistant and student ambassador in Taiwan during the 2025-26 academic year. Her appointment runs from August 1 to June 30, 2026.
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. government, aims to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries through educational exchange. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected based on their academic excellence, professional achievements, and leadership potential. As part of her Fulbright scholarship, Brown will receive round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Brown is Drury’s fourth Fulbright Scholar in the last three years.
“We are incredibly proud of Hailey for earning this prestigious Fulbright award,” said University Provost Beth Harville. ” This achievement demonstrates the caliber of scholarship and international engagement that defines Drury’s academic excellence.”
Brown was recognized by Fulbright after gaining more than 300 hours of practicum teaching experience and developing a fervent passion for international dialogue and mentoring through participation in Drury’s Stanmillis University College program in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during her junior year.
A first-generation student from Kirbyville, Mo., Brown wrote on her application about how teaching internationally fueled her intellectual curiosity about diverse education programs and how she could integrate Mandarin and Taiwanese culture into her future elementary classroom. She is also a member of the Education Honorary and a recipient of the Cox Foundation Scholarship. Last fall she studied Mandarin with Drury’s Fulbright Scholar and Mandarin Instructor Li-Hui Lee from Taiwan, and ran a Taiwan cultural table during a fall celebration.
“I am excited to share my cultural heritage with the Taiwanese community,” Brown said. “Being raised in the Ozarks and Midwest has contributed to my identity. I’ve seen firsthand that many people abroad do not realize all the different cultures that exist in the U.S. I am eager to share my knowledge and highlight our diversity.
“Fulbright Taiwan’s ETA program aligns perfectly with my aspirations. It offers a unique opportunity for independent cultural exploration while working with a diverse group of people to support students.”
Brown applied for the Fulbright Scholarship through Drury’s Office of National Scholarships and Fulbright Adviser, Dr. Shelley Wolbrink.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu