PennWest Professor Wins Fulbright Award to Study AI in Brazilian Universities
Mark Lennon, a business professor at Pennsylvania Western University's California campus, will spend the summer in Brazil researching how artificial intelligence can help regional universities compete globally. He received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to conduct the work at the University of the Amazon in Belém starting in June.
Lennon's research focuses on connecting Brazilian graduate programs to students in Western Pennsylvania. Brazil funds English-language graduate scholarships that Pennsylvania students could pursue, he said, creating pathways to advanced degrees and better job prospects in the region.
"Connecting those opportunities to Western Pa. colleges means more graduate degrees, better jobs and stronger communities," Lennon said.
Recognition During Congressional Scrutiny
The award came during a period of heightened federal oversight of the Fulbright Program. Last year, all but one member of the program's 12-member board resigned, citing political interference. Many awards faced denial or review.
Lennon's research cleared that scrutiny by demonstrating economic benefits to the United States and positioning Pittsburgh's academic community as a global competitor, he said.
Potential Boost for Struggling Institution
PennWest has faced enrollment declines and financial pressures common to regional universities. The institution proposed eliminating more than 100 academic programs as it grapples with a shrinking pool of traditional college students.
Lennon said national recognition from the Fulbright Program could help. "That is positively correlated with increased enrollment and retention," he said.
He noted that PennWest's administration has not publicly announced the award, which concerns him. When the university recognized his 2022 Fulbright Specialist Award for work in India, it prompted other faculty to pursue similar opportunities and attracted student interest.
A university spokeswoman said the administration is aware of the achievement and will recognize it alongside other faculty accomplishments, though current communications focus on upcoming commencement ceremonies.
Lennon will post research updates on FulbrightAI.com. This is his second Fulbright award.
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