Kathleen Head has spent years helping Worcester Polytechnic Institute students expand their horizons around the globe. Now it’s her turn.
Head, director of WPI’s Global Experience Office, has been selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for the 2026-27 academic year, earning her a trip to India to study its higher education system and strengthen international partnerships.
As a recipient of a Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Award, Head participates in a two-week seminar that includes visits with representatives from Indian universities, government agencies and the private sector.
“I am honored to be selected for this prestigious award, and I look forward to learning from and making meaningful connections with education leaders and professionals in India, as well as with my fellow Fulbright scholars,” Head said in the university’s announcement.
“I am eager to bring these insights back to WPI to help create new pathways for our students and faculty to collaborate on projects, conduct research, and have transformative academic and cultural experiences in India, while working in partnership with universities and community organizations,” she said.
Head oversees WPI’s Global Experience Office, which administers the university’s Global Projects Program. The office helps students complete academic projects at more than 50 WPI project centers around the world while supporting international education, student advising and global risk management.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is one of the nation’s best-known international academic exchange programs. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, it promotes educational exchange and collaboration between the United States and countries around the world.
According to WPI, more than two dozen faculty and staff members have received Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards since the program began, and the university has hosted a dozen Fulbright Visiting Scholars from other nations.
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