Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A distinguished faculty member in Mississippi State’s College of Education has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to teach and conduct research abroad during the 2024-25 academic year.

Missy Hopper, professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership, will focus on education, teaching and English language learning at the University of Bahrain. The prestigious award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board allows her to teach classes, carry out research centered on teacher quality, as well as work with students in their educator preparation programs.

“I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to become a Fulbrighter and be part of this lifelong-learning experience,” said Hopper. 

Fulbright U.S. Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators and established professionals who teach or conduct research in affiliation with institutes abroad. They engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions.

“It has been a great pleasure to interact with Dr. Missy Hopper as she prepares for this opportunity. She is deserving of this prestigious award and of the recognition for her years of dedication to education at MSU, institutions in Tennessee and abroad,” said Julie Sims, deputy director for research development in MSU’s International Institute and the university’s new liaison for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program. “I look forward to her future contributions at MSU, enhanced by her experience as a Fulbrighter.”

Additionally, Hopper was awarded a placement on the Fulbright Specialist Roster, providing an opportunity to engage in a two- to six-week project abroad after she returns from Bahrain. 

“This prestigious recognition highlights Dr. Hopper’s dedication to advancing education,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of MSU’s College of Education. “Her placement on the Fulbright Specialist Roster reflects her commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and her willingness to collaborate and provide ongoing support. We look forward to the valuable insights and partnerships that will emerge from her work abroad.”

Hopper completed her doctorate in holistic teaching and learning at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with concentrations in statistics, linguistics and cognitive psychology. She earned master’s and education specialist degrees from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. Among her many awards and accomplishments, Hopper served as the national president of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and was awarded the Tennessee Board of Regents Trailblazer Award for her work establishing the first online degree for the state of Tennessee. She is Quality Matters certified for online education. 

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research in over 160 countries worldwide. Learn more at https://www.fulbrightprogram.org.

MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.