Unlocking Global Opportunities: UH’s Maggie Mahoney Honored with Fulbright International Education Administrator Award

The University of Houston (UH) is a bustling hub for people from all over the world. With its wide array of academic programs and innovative research, it draws talent from various backgrounds. Nestled in Texas’ largest city, UH is not just a school; it’s a community.

Maggie Mahoney plays a vital role at UH. As the director of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), she helps international students feel at home. Soon, she’ll enhance her expertise as a Fulbright Scholar. This special award will take her to India for the Fulbright-Nehru U.S. International Education Administrator’s (IEA) Seminar.

The seminar kicks off in Mumbai on March 9 and continues in Coimbatore and New Delhi. It will bring together university leaders from both the U.S. and India. They’ll exchange ideas about higher education and learn about India’s educational landscape. This experience will help Mahoney support the diverse Indian student community at UH and strengthen ties with Indian institutions.

“This seminar will help me understand the higher education system in India and the motivations of its people,” Mahoney shared. “Houston has a significant Indian immigrant population, and many international students at UH are from India. This experience will provide knowledge I can share with my colleagues and benefit the local community.”

At UH, Mahoney helps create strategies that promote international learning. She supports faculty and staff in securing Fulbright grants, which helps enhance academic ties around the globe. Being recognized as a Fulbright Scholar reflects her dedication to building connections between UH and the world.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this Fulbright award,” she said. “It highlights my commitment to global education. I look forward to contributing to greater understanding between countries and cultures.”

This honor adds to UH’s reputation as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars. In 2024, the university celebrated its largest number of student Fulbright recipients (14), along with five faculty members earning the same distinction.

Amb. Michael Pelletier (Retd.), executive director of IGE, expressed excitement about Mahoney’s participation. “It will strengthen the Fulbright community at UH and deepen our partnerships with Indian institutions,” he said.

The Fulbright U.S. International Education Administrators Award is part of a larger program that supports American citizens who teach or research globally. With over 400 awards available, it opens doors for meaningful exchanges in more than 135 countries.