Dr. Rebecca Drenovsky, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Biology at John Carroll University, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright International Education Administrators Award, an honor that reflects her leadership in higher education and her commitment to global research and collaboration.
The award will bring Dr. Drenovsky to France for two weeks this fall, from October 3 through October 15, 2026. During the trip, she will visit French colleges and universities, meet with government officials and higher education leaders, and tour various historical and cultural sites. The experience will provide an immersive look at the French education system, insights she plans to translate directly into institutional strategy at John Carroll.
“I’m so honored to receive this Fulbright award,” said Dr. Drenovsky. “I’ve long admired the French higher education and research system, and on a personal level, I love the language and culture. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join this cohort in France and bring the global connections I make back to our students and faculty at John Carroll.”
Her selection is tied to her vision of expanding John Carroll’s global footprint and enriching John Carroll’s 2+2 dual-degree program with NEOMA Business School in Rouen, France. Through the program, French students spend two years on John Carroll’s campus, earning a second bachelor’s degree from the Boler College of Business. John Carroll students also have the opportunity to study at NEOMA for a semester through the Boler in France program, and can pursue the French for Business minor to further prepare them for the experience.
Rebecca's Fulbright fellowship is a well-deserved recognition for her longstanding commitment to international research and academic exchange,” said Dr. Bonnie Gunzenhauser, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Beyond that, it positions John Carroll to develop even deeper and richer ways to deliver on our promise of preparing students to lead in a complex global world. I'm thrilled that she - and we - were selected for this opportunity.”
While Dr. Drenovsky seeks to strengthen JCU’s partnership with NEOMA, she also plans to look for new partnership opportunities. She brings a deep connection to French education, having served as Committee Chair for the Living Earth Committee of the French National Research Agency (ANR) from 2016 to 2018, where she led international review panels to fund top-tier scientific proposals. She also has experience collaborating and co-authoring papers with French researchers in her field of study: plant biology.
“I want to congratulate Rebecca on earning this distinguished Fulbright program award,” said President Alan R. Miciak. “Her leadership has consistently advanced the John Carroll mission, particularly through strengthening our global academic partnerships. As a university, we have long attracted top administrative and faculty talent, and Rebecca’s recognition as a Fulbright scholar further reinforces John Carroll’s standing as a university committed to academic excellence and international engagement.”
The Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. Fulbright U.S. Scholars include accomplished faculty, researchers, and administrators who teach or conduct research in partnership with institutions around the world.
As Dr. Drenovsky prepares to embark on her journey to France this fall, she looks forward to expanding John Carroll’s professional network, fostering international collaboration, and, upon her return, sharing her Fulbright experience with students and colleagues to encourage further international study and exploration.
