Students at the University received more U.S. Department of State Fulbright Student grants than any other school this year, University officials announced yesterday.

Leading in the number of student Fulbright recipients is nothing new for the University, which has had the most Fulbright Student grants four times since 2005. However, the number of Fulbright grants given to faculty members was substantially lower than many of the University's peer institutions.

This year, 39 students at the University received and accepted Fulbright scholarships, up from 28 last year and 31 two years ago.

Four other University students were offered Fulbright grants this year but declined in order to pursue other opportunities. The total of 43 students who were offered an award is the highest in the University’s history.

Other universities leading the pack with a high number of Fulbright student recipients included Yale University, where students netted 31 Fulbright scholarships, and Brown University and Stanford University, which each were awarded 24 Fulbright student grants.

In an interview yesterday, University Provost Philip Hanlon said he was delighted that the University was at the top of the list.

“We’re very interested in global engagement and how we can improve the way our students are experiencing the world and the Fulbrights are a great way for our students and graduates to do that,” Hanlon said.

University officials focused on globalization in their self-study during its decennial reaccreditation process last year and University President Mary Sue Coleman has developed a challenge to double the number of students who have an international experience while at the University.

“Some of our strongest students are applying for Fulbrights and being successful,” Hanlon said.

In a press release issued yesterday, several other University officials echoed Hanlon’s satisfaction with the performance of students in the Fulbright competition.

Ken Kollman, the acting director of the University’s International Institute and the acting vice provost for international affairs, said in the press release that the high number of Fulbright recipients at the University reflects the quality of the University overall.

“The number of Fulbright grants speaks to the caliber of our students and their passion for international research and study,” Kollman said. “Our success in earning these reflects Michigan’s commitment to fostering global and cultural exchanges.”

Kelly Peckens, who directs the Fulbright Program advising at the University’s International Institute, praised the student recipients in the same press release.

“These students have worked tremendously hard to prepare their projects, and we are very proud to have them represent U-M across the globe,” Peckens said. “Our grantees are researching some of the world’s most pressing issues with optimism and sensitivity.”

And while the record number of student recipients is good news for the University, an analysis of Fulbright Scholar grants — given to faculty members — provides a more sobering statistic.

Asked about the University’s performance in securing Fulbright Scholar grants, Hanlon said he knew it was an issue, but that he wasn’t in a position to comment on it.

“All I can say is I noted that as well and I want to try to understand that better,” Hanlon said.

University professors netted only five Fulbright Scholar awards, paling in comparison to many other universities. Harvard University led the pack of faculty receiving Fulbright awards, netting 38 grants. The University of California at Berkley and Columbia University followed close behind, earning 24 and 23 Fulbrights for faculty, respectively.