Katie Schultz

News Editor

 

When most people think of foreign exchange, the first thing that comes to mind is study abroad programs for students going out to various parts of the world. Yet, there is something out there for professors as well. A scholarship has been awarded to a Mesa State professor providing the same opportunity of international exchange. 

Assistant Professor of Art Steve Bradley was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship which will allow him to travel to Germany and teach at the University of Leipzig in eastern Germany. 

“It felt good (to receive the scholarship),” Bradley said. “I had no idea I would get it, but I knew I had a strong proposal. It was the best I could do.” 

The Fulbright is awarded to help pay for airfare and living expenses while a professor is at a host university. The program was established in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright who was an advocate for cultural exchange during his career. To date, the scholarship has been awarded to almost 300,000 individuals, and operates in over 155 countries. The scholarship is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs under the United States Department of State guidelines.

“It’s fantastic and a great opportunity,” said Art Department Head Suzie Garner. “It’ll be great for (Bradley) to be able to share that with our students when he comes back.”

The process to apply for the award is somewhat lengthy, Bradley said. First, he needed to find a host university. During his search, the University of Leipzig liked the proposal that Bradley had to offer, creating a perfect match since Bradley has studied in Germany before. The proposal mainly involved what courses Bradley would teach at his host school. While in Leipzig, he will teach three different courses on the American West. He also will work with graduate students on research projects focused in this area of study.

“I’ll be testing new teaching materials,” Bradley said. “But I’m always asking what can I bring back?”

Bradley hopes to foster the possibility of exchange between MSC and the University of Leipzig. He doesn’t know all the logistics behind it, but he hopes to at least see, “what they are looking for.” The exchange he has in mind would not only involve the exchange of professors and students but also the exchange of exhibits and guest artists.

Yet, during his teaching he hopes to travel and view the local culture of Germany. “I want to get a sense of what artists are doing in Germany.”

Michael Goe, senior studio art major, is excited to see Bradley receive such an award. “Everything I’ve learned about art history I’ve learned from Bradley,” he said. “It’s perfect for somebody like him. He has always been supportive of young artists.” 

Bradley will be gone from April to July and his fellow colleagues will help cover the courses that he usually teaches. He thanks them in advance for all their support and promises a nice souvenir when he returns.

“I’m looking forward to coming back and telling and showing my experiences,” Bradley said. “I hope it opens up doors exchange wise.”