Kent State is hosting Fulbright Visiting Scholars from Iraq and Libya, who arrived July 7, for 10 weeks this summer.

This is the university’s second time being selected for the program. Five U.S. universities were chosen to host the Iraqi scholars, and six were picked for the Libya scholars.

“To be selected to host Fulbright Scholars again this year demonstrates Kent State’s commitment to building global connections,” said Todd Diacon, Kent State provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

I. Richmond Nettey, associate dean of the College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability, and Technology, submitted a proposal last year to the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. The proposal was later approved in February 2013.

Nettey said Kent was selected again because of the great work done by faculty mentors last summer.

“Last year, our team did such a spectacular job and it really impressed the program organizers,” Nettey said.

Iraqi scholars will do research in the areas of science and technology and Libyan scholars will work in information technology.

“It is quite special to be selected by the U.S. Department of State to serve as the launch institution for the new program,” Nettey said about hosting the Libyan program.

According to the Council for International Exchange of Scholars website, the goals of the Fulbright Visiting Scholars program are to “develop higher education through mentoring, long term collaborations between the scholars and the U.S, and promote mutual understanding.”

Kent State will not only have to fulfill those goals, but fulfill the cultural enrichment requirements. Kent State administrators have planned activities such as trips to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Indians baseball games.

“We are looking forward to working with these esteemed scholars,” Nettey said.

Contact India Hines at [email protected].