MAY 5, 2026 — Coker University is pleased to announce that Meadow Morse has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to serve as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Bulgaria for the 2026-2027 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

“I ultimately hope to build the confidence of my students, not only in their English skills, but also in their overall personal development,” said Morse, an Advance, Missouri, native. “I will be teaching grades 8 and 9, which for me was a very crucial time in personal development. I also hope to gain a new understanding and appreciation for a variety of unique cultures. This is such an incredible opportunity and I plan to take advantage of every moment.”

Morse, who graduated from Coker University with a bachelor’s degree in general education in December 2025, will be the first Fulbright student to serve at the Professor Minko Balkanski Vocational High School of Computer Science and Mathematical Analysis.

“My time at Coker has shaped me into the individual that I am today. Coker has taught me how to become independent, strive for success, and be comfortable with discomfort,” Morse said. “Each professor puts their all into their teaching, and their passion and love extend much beyond the classroom. They taught me how to become a strong teacher and an even stronger human being, and I will forever be grateful for their guidance and support.”

The Fulbright/America for Bulgaria Foundation Program for US English Teaching Assistants (ETA) to Bulgaria offers students holding at least a bachelor’s degree in any field the opportunity to teach English in Bulgarian public high and middle schools for one year as teaching assistants. The program aims to improve the quality of English-language instruction in Bulgarian schools and to expand educational and cultural exchange between Bulgaria and the United States.

“At Coker University, we strive to prepare students for global citizenship. This award is a testament to Meadow’s intellectual curiosity, commitment to service, and hard work, and we couldn’t be more proud,” said Dr. Margaret J. Godbey, Fulbright Program Advisor at Coker University.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected based on academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.

During her time as a student, Morse played on the Women’s Volleyball team and was involved in several student organizations, including Coker ENACTUS, Morgan’s Message, and Kooper Leadership Academy. She also served as a writing tutor.

About Coker University

Coker University is a student-focused, comprehensive institution of higher education with a strong liberal arts core, located in Hartsville, South Carolina. Coker combines round table, discussion-based learning with hands-on experiences to encourage active participation in and out of the classroom. A supportive, close-knit community prepares Coker students with the confidence and practical life skills they need to reach their personal best, in college and beyond.

Founded in 1908, Coker is a bachelor’s and master’s degree-granting institution and competes in 21 NCAA Division II sports. Coker is included among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review, and by Washington Monthly as a “Best Bang for Your Buck” college in the southeast.

About the Fulbright Program

More than 2,000 Fulbright U.S. Students—recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals—pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English in schools abroad each year. They are recognized alongside more than 800 faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals who teach or conduct research in affiliation with institutes abroad annually through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Fulbrighters form ongoing research collaborations and lay the groundwork for future partnerships between institutions.

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 abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, 44 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which has operated in over 160 countries worldwide. In the United States, the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org.