Harding University houses students, faculty and staff who are involved in many activities outside of Harding. Robert McCready is a French professor in the Foreign Language Department, and has been part of the Fulbright National Screening Committee since last year. He was asked to screen candidates for a Fulbright Teaching Scholarship ( U.S. students chosen to study and represent the country in Switzerland) who have applied specifically for the country of Switzerland. The applicants come from universities across the United States. The recruitment process began several months ago; October was the deadline for Switzerland. He says their committee was one of the first to meet. Those working with other countries will be meeting from now until February. He decided to be part of this committee since in the past he was fortunate to receive the ITT (International Telephone & Telegraph) Scholarship to Switzerland through the International Institute of Education/Fulbright program. That experience completely changed the trajectory of his educational opportunities.
“It was an amazing chapter of my life,” McCready said. “I felt it appropriate to give back, in order to facilitate the process for other students to share in similar positive opportunities.”
Dr. Russell Keck is an Associate Professor of English and Honors College Faculty Fellow. Last year he accepted the role of Director of the Office of Fellowship Advising, which is housed in the Honors College and which was started by Dr. James Huff several years ago. In this role, he serves as the Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA.)
“Last year we had 2 Fulbright applicants, one senior, Kassie Lamoureux, and one alumna, Macy Montgomery,” Keck said. “I know we have had others apply to several Fulbright programs in the past, but finding that information is a bit tricky because the FPA portal which keeps a history of all applicants from our institution is currently shut down until the next application cycle begins.” Kristi Bond is the Chair of the Foreign Language Department and International Studies, she gets to work with Robert McCready and thinks Robert is an amazing co-worker and friend. McCready keeps our department focused on students and all his decisions are based on what is best for students. “He cares deeply about relationships and serving the church both as an elder here in Searcy and as a missionary on summer trips to French-speaking Europe,” Bond said.
