Rutherford Times

Pellissippi State Community College was named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Scholars on Friday by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  

This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2022-23 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Pellissippi State is one of only 12 colleges that grant associate degrees to have a Fulbright scholar this academic year. 

Professor Tammie Bolling, chair of Pellissippi State’s Computer Information Technology program, received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to Ireland for fall 2022. Bolling’s Fulbright experience included researching the acceptance and use of digital health care innovations in Ireland and global cyberpsychology, lecturing at Atlantic Technological University and mentoring master’s level students. 

“I’ve known about the Fulbright program since I was an undergrad at the University of Virginia, and it’s something I truly wanted to do,” said Bolling, who taught for 17 years at Virginia community colleges and is in her 23rd year with Tennessee Board of Regents institutions. “I’m a first-generation college student, and I want students to know that even first-generation college students can succeed in completing their dreams.”   

Fulbright is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 participants from all backgrounds and fields – including recent university graduates, teachers, scientists, researchers, artists and others from the United States and over 160 other countries – have participated in the Fulbright Program. Fulbright alumni have returned to their home countries to make an impact on their communities thanks to their expanded worldview, a deep appreciation for their host country and its people, and a larger network of colleagues and friends. 

“The Fulbright Program provides opportunities for cultural immersion and the development of cross-cultural competencies,” said Bolling, who also encourages community college students to study abroad with the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies. “By participating in the Fulbright Program, scholars can immerse themselves in a new culture and gain a deeper understanding of the people, customs and traditions of their host country. This not only enhances their personal growth, but also provides them with valuable skills and experiences.” 

 “I am extremely proud of Dr. Bolling’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar,” said Pellissippi State President L. Anthony Wise Jr. “Her experiences will ultimately benefit the college and our students by encouraging them to look for learning opportunities here and abroad and by building networks to help solve the challenges we face.” 

For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.

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