April 15, 2026 | Kate Malazonia
Two Texas State University graduate students were selected this spring as semi-finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program’s 2026–2027 award year, following review by the Fulbright National Screening Committee.
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the federal government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative, aiming to foster mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and those of other nations.
Through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, participants pursue one-year funded opportunities in more than 140 countries to conduct independent academic research or creative projects, pursue graduate study, or assist English language instruction.
As the United States government’s premier cultural exchange program, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is highly competitive, and being selected as a semi-finalist is a significant academic success. The degree programs for this year’s graduate-level semi-finalists and their corresponding Fulbright award programs are listed below:
Ryan McBroom — master of education, management of technical education; English Teaching Assistant Program, Costa Rica
Stephanie Robertson — master of arts, adult, professional, and community education; Study/Research Award, Brazil
McBroom, a second-year graduate student, reflected on the personal and professional impact of the application process.
The Fulbright process has been a powerful experience in both career development and self-discovery,” McBroom said. “No matter what happens next, I already feel fortunate to have reached semi-finalist status. It has reinforced my belief in the value of cultural exchange and deepened my understanding of the role it plays in shaping meaningful educational experiences."
Robertson, also a second-year graduate student, said her proposed research project was shaped by her professional experience and the support she received during the application process.
I am honored to be selected as a Fulbright semi-finalist and deeply grateful for the guidance of The Graduate College's Fulbright Program Advisers throughout this process,” Robertson said. “They encouraged me to design a project I would pursue regardless of the outcome. That perspective shaped a study inspired by my work leading a virtual prison book club. I am hopeful that insights from Brazil’s incentivized reading program will help shape similar opportunities in the United States."
In addition to McBroom and Roberston, one undergraduate student and one undergraduate alum were also selected as semi-finalists for the 2026-2027 award year.
Undergraduate students and alumni:
Memphis Mallory — bachelor of arts, German and anthropology; Study/Research Award, Austria
Martin Rivera — bachelor of arts, history and education; English Teaching Assistant Program, Germany
These candidates’ materials are now under review by supervising agencies in their proposed host countries. The final selection status—awardee, alternate, or non-awardee—is expected in April-June.
This exciting student success announcement builds on Texas State University’s recent selection as a Top Producing Institution for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, based on TXST’s performance in last year’s competition. TXST has produced more Fulbright student grantees in the past four years than in the previous four decades.
Graduate students and master’s alumni interested in applying to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program during the next application cycle should contact The Graduate College’s Fulbright Program Advisers, Dr. Brian Smith and Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz.