Seven Fulbright scholars from Lebanon and Iraq spent 10 weeks this summer at the Miller College of Business, where they focused on research, teaching and community engagement.

The scholars—six from Lebanon and one from Iraq—are junior faculty members at their respective universities. With either doctoral or masters degrees, the scholars are part of an international exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Each scholar was paired with a Miller College faculty member for one-on-one, tailored mentorship. With their mentors, each scholar conducted individual research projects in their areas of interest and expertise. Scholars also observed undergraduate and graduate level classes on business and economics and explored the pedagogical tools, curriculums, and technologies used.

Along with academic pursuits, scholars and mentors took excursions across Indiana, Chicago, and Dayton, Ohio to learn about American and Midwestern culture and history. They met with government leaders, including Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and State Senator Tim Lanane at the Indiana Statehouse.

“We are building relationships and partnerships with overseas institutions, which can result in the future of faculty and student exchange,” said Sushil Sharma, associate dean of the Miller College of Business. “We now have seven ambassadors in those institutions, and they will now be spreading positive words about Ball State.”

Because of the success of the program, Ball State may again host a similar group of scholars from Iraq in a follow-up project in Summer 2020.