DePauw Stories

David Alvarez, associate professor of English and director of DePauw’s Global Studies program, has been named a Fulbright Scholar award recipient for the 2024-2025 academic year. He will spend the year at Ghent University in Belgium, teaching seminars on his primary fields of study, 18th century literature and religious tolerance.

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has opened doors for cross-cultural academic collaboration, giving over 800 professionals each year an opportunity to study, teach, and research abroad. Awarded in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious distinction encourages international diplomacy while fostering a generous exchange of ideas.

“I am thrilled to see Professor David Alvarez recognized for his scholarly work,” said Dr. Bridget Gourley, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Dean of the Faculty at DePauw. “Fulbright opportunities are incredibly competitive and a great honor to receive. Less than 25% of applicants requesting to study in Belgium are given awards. To me the focus of Professor Alvarez's work is one of many that illustrates the impact of a liberal arts broad focus.”

Alvarez anticipates that his upcoming visit to Belgium will not only enhance his own work as a scholar, but also open doors on behalf of the entire DePauw community. “I am excited to connect DePauw to other institutions in Europe,” Alvarez said. “I believe there are many opportunities for exchange that will benefit scholars and students for years to come.”

This is a priority that Alvarez has already championed on campus. In his role within the Global Studies program, he actively works to expose students to new perspectives and international influences they might not otherwise encounter. He was instrumental in bringing Dr. Manal Shalaby from Egypt to DePauw for the 2023-2024 academic year as the university’s first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence. For Alvarez, the upcoming year at Ghent University is yet another chance to further diversify the DePauw liberal arts education.

It is also a reflection of the quality of the high standard at DePauw for faculty excellence. “Of course, Professor Alvarez's Fulbright award recognizes his track record of exceptional scholarly work and commitment to globalization,” noted Dr. Dave Berque, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “At the same time, the award is also a tribute to the quality of the entire DePauw faculty and especially to DePauw's strong teacher-scholar model, which assures that our students are taught by outstanding teachers who are experts in their fields.”

This is the second time in his career that Professor Alvarez has received the honor of serving as a Fulbright Scholar. He spent the 2009 spring semester in India at the University of Delhi.

For more information about opportunities through the Fulbright Program, visit DePauw's comprehensive Fulbright resource page.