Four Ball State University students—Megan Lutes, Hannah Hendrian, Sarah Olsen, and Conor Dailey—have been selected to receive the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Awards. Additionally, Lindsey Hayse was awarded the English Teaching Flagship (ETF) from Fulbright Taiwan.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. State Department, aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and nearly 140 countries. This year, approximately 2,100 applicants nationwide were selected based on the quality and feasibility of their proposals, academic and professional qualifications, and their potential to serve as effective cultural ambassadors.
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award Recipients:
These awards will enable the recipients to spend the upcoming academic year abroad as English teaching assistants, helping students in their host countries develop English language skills and serving as cultural ambassadors.
- Megan Lutes, ’23 MA ’25, from Westfield, Ind., earned her undergraduate degree in fashion consumer science with a concentration in apparel design. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with University honors from the Honors College and holds a master’s degree in English studies. Megan will be teaching in South Korea.
“I am looking forward to experiencing a new country and culture, not in the way that a tourist would, but by fully living and working and immersing myself there. I am hopeful that this experience will lead to further career opportunities in teaching or fashion in South Korea after my Fulbright year,” Ms. Lutes said.
- Hannah Hendrian, ’25, from Geneva, Ill., majored in elementary education with a concentration in language arts. She also earned University honors from the Honors College. She will travel to Athens, Greece, to teach English.
“This award means a great deal to me. Before I heard the final results from Fulbright, one of my students asked me where my dream teaching job would be. I said I would like to teach in a different country. And now, I get this amazing opportunity to do so! I am so excited to be immersed in a new culture as I continue to learn and grow in my profession,” Ms. Hendrian said.
- Sarah Olsen, ’25, from Indianapolis, graduated with majors in journalism and political science, with concentrations in international studies and news writing and reporting. She also minored in French and earned University honors from the Honors College. She will teach English in Cambodia and plans to pursue a career in international relations.
“To say I’m excited about this opportunity is an understatement. The ability to travel internationally and immerse yourself in another culture, if only for a little while, is a great privilege. I look forward to being a part of the community of students and teachers working to preserve the future of international education,” Ms. Olsen said.
Fulbright Study Award Recipient
Fulbright Study awards send recipients abroad to pursue degrees at international universities while also acting as cultural ambassadors for the United States:
- Conor Dailey, ’23 MPA ’25 MS ’25, from Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., earned his master’s degree in geology and natural resources. He earned an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree through the Medallion Scholars Program in the Honors College. He was named a recipient of the Fulbright/Lancaster University Award in the Faculty of Science and Technology. Beginning in Fall 2025, Mr. Dailey will study environmental management at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.
“Lancaster University has demonstrated a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and sustainability initiatives. Studying there will allow me to build upon my undergraduate and graduate experiences in environmental science. Specifically, at Lancaster University, I want to study urban forestry and its associated carbon cycle impacts,” Mr. Dailey said.
Fulbright Taiwan ETF Award Recipient:
The English Teaching Flagship Award is given to qualified English teachers in Taiwan. The Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (FSE) is collaborating with the MOE (Ministry of Education) in Taiwan to become an entirely bilingual country by 2030.
- Lindsey Hayse, ’25, from New Salisbury, Ind., earned her degree in teaching English and a minor in Spanish. She also earned University honors through the Honors College.
“Receiving the Fulbright to teach in Taiwan is something I’ve been working toward since my second year of college. I’m extremely excited to be returning to Taiwan to teach English, explore this beautiful country, meet old friends, and make new ones.”
Additionally, recent Ball State graduate Makayla Schuelke, ‘23, was named an alternate for a Fulbright ETA award, and recent Ball State graduate Simon Webster, ‘25, was named a recipient of a Fulbright Study award but declined the award to pursue other opportunities.