Institute of International Education Recognizes University of Arkansas Staff Member

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Gloria Flores Passmore (right) with Emily Bosio, regional manager of the Fulbright Program, Institute of International Education in Houston.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A University of Arkansas staff member was recognized by the Institute of International Education for furthering the partnership between the Fulbright Program and the University of Arkansas in support of the students they host.

Gloria Flores Passmore, associate director of recruitment and sponsored student programs, helped develop the University of Arkansas Fulbright Scholars association and serves as the group’s co-adviser. She worked closely with the Institute of International Education after the launching of the Fulbright Tsunami Relief Initiative in 2007 and managed the bi-annual enrichment workshops for the Fulbright students from Aceh, Indonesia.

“Fulbright students who come to the University of Arkansas to study become lifelong ambassadors for the university, for the state of Arkansas, and the U.S. As a result of Gloria’s efforts we have expanded our sponsored student program from 87 to 213 participating students. We’re very proud to have her on our team,” said Todd Shields, dean of the Graduate School and International Education where the sponsored student program office is housed.

“Gloria's ability to manage complex issues has taught me about her dedication and commitment to our work. Working with sponsored students takes every fiber of your being, a level of comfort with ambiguity, and a problem-solver mentality. Gloria is all of these things and more,” said Emily Bosio of the Institute of International Education, who works closely with Flores Passmore in monitoring Fulbright students.

The Fulbright Program is the nation’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, offering grants to study, teach, and conduct research. U.S. citizens in the program go abroad to countries around the world, and non-U.S. citizens come to the United States. The University of Arkansas has a historically strong relationship with the Fulbright Program that dates back to its earliest days. Former Sen. J. William Fulbright was a University of Arkansas alumnus and served as president of the university prior to his career in government, and he sponsored the legislation in 1946 that created the scholarship program that bears his name.

Minita Santizo, director of International Education Programs at St. Mary's University, was also honored by the Institute of International Education for her contributions to the field of international education for nearly 40 years and most notably her decade of work with the Gilman International Scholarship Program. 

Institute of International Education

Founded in 1919, the Institute of International Education is a private not-for-profit leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. In partnership with governments, foundations and other sponsors, the institute administers programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from all sectors. These programs include the flagship Fulbright Program and Gilman Scholarships administered for the U.S. Department of State. The Institute of International Education also conducts policy research, provides resources on international exchange opportunities and offers support to students and scholars in danger.