Dr. LaTanya Rogers Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2026–2027 Academic Year
Nashville, Tenn. (February 19, 2026) — Dr. LaTanya Rogers, Dean of the School of Humanities and Behavioral Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Literature and Drama, and Associate Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Program at Fisk University, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to conduct research and teaching in France and Senegal for the 2026–2027 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Dr. Rogers’ project aims to deepen Fisk University’s engagement with Europe and the African Diaspora.
Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Rogers said, “It is a profound honor to be the first faculty member in Fisk University’s history to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award. This award serves as a bridge to a key component of Fisk’s future: increased global engagement for our students and faculty. Through research and connection building in France and Senegal, my aim is to deepen Fisk’s participation with Europe and the African Diaspora. Equipped with Fulbright-level access to scholars, institutions, and world leaders, I will initiate even more curriculum innovations for global impact for our students and faculty. It is thrilling that my Fulbright award joins the continuum of outstanding accomplishments that have expanded the borders of a Fisk education.”
Dr. Rogers’ Fulbright award arrives at a powerful moment for our university, as two exceptional Fisk students have been named national semi‑finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Hannah Daniel and Anaya Turner. With no current‑student Fulbright winner since 1970, this momentum signals a breakthrough that is decades in the making. Her achievement not only elevates Fisk on the global stage—it inspires our scholars to see themselves there, too. Fueled by the promise shown by Hannah and Anaya, Fisk is experiencing a renewed surge of excellence that honors our legacy while driving us toward a bold future of international leadership.
“Fisk University is incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Rogers’ leadership; her heart for developing the next generation through her teaching and mentorship has impacted so many of our students. Her selection to the Fulbright US International Education Administrators Program is an apt recognition of her enthusiasm for international exchange and an unwavering commitment to instill in our students a global perspective,” says Dr. Brian Nelms, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Hannah Daniel is a senior Biology and Business Administration double major from Dayton, Ohio, W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Scholar, Fisk Jubilee Singer, and research assistant in the Damo Lab. Hannah’s global experiences in Ghana and Portugal, combined with her internship at Equinix, have shaped her passion for translational research supporting early disease detection and biotechnology access in underserved communities. She shared, “I am incredibly grateful to be named a Fulbright semifinalist and would not be here without God and my amazing support system. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue every opportunity and trust that their biggest dreams are well within reach!”
Anaya Turner is an Army Sergeant and senior Political Science major with a minor in Business Administration from Memphis, Tennessee, has distinguished herself as a transformative campus leader, a Harvard Du Bois Scholar, and a national policy research intern. As a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Semi-Finalist, Anaya aims to advance equitable policy and global leadership opportunities for underserved communities. She said, “My goal is to build a legacy, and to do that, I must be willing to step outside of my comfort zone. Representing my institution on the national stage and hopefully abroad as a Fulbright Semi-Finalist reminds me that education is never just personal—it is an opportunity to open doors for others. I have learned that success is rarely easy; many people will not believe in you, and even when your progress is evident, some will still doubt you. Keep your dreams close, envision them clearly, work relentlessly, and let your actions speak so loudly that doubt becomes irrelevant.”
Fisk University is proud to celebrate these milestones in global scholarship, highlighting the continued tradition of excellence, leadership, and international engagement among faculty and students.
About the Fulbright Program
Fulbright U.S. Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals teaching or conducting research abroad. Scholars engage in cutting-edge research, expand professional networks, and often continue collaborations initiated overseas. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research internationally. Fulbrighters include Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, heads of state, and thousands of leaders across multiple sectors. Over 800 individuals participate annually in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, with over 2,000 U.S. Student Program participants engaging in study/research exchanges or teaching English abroad.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. government, with additional support from participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide. In the U.S., the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and Scholar Programs. For more information, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org.
About Fisk University
Fisk University, a highly ranked historically Black university, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisk’s outstanding faculty and students enhance the university’s international reputation for academic excellence. A Fisk education prepares students to serve their communities and become well-rounded leaders and scholars in their respective fields. Fisk offers more than 20 undergraduate and graduate programs in biology, chemistry, physics and clinical psychology. For more information, visit Fisk.edu.
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