Dr. Volkan Ozbek, assistant professor of management at Texas A&M University–San Antonio, has received a prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program award from the U.S. Department of State. Ozbek will join other faculty at the University of Presov in the Slovak Republic.
This September, Ozbek will spend about two weeks at the University of Presov collaborating with faculty and administrators on a project designed to exchange knowledge and build lasting institutional partnerships. The conference will focus on managerial and organizational practices to effectively deal with global instability and uncertainty.
Ozbek said he’s always had an interest in Europe and Slovakia and was eager to have an international academic experience where he could also serve as an ambassador for A&M-San Antonio.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with another institution and share my expertise in corporate governance,” Ozbek said. “I look forward to engaging with colleagues in Slovakia and contributing to both academic and professional development. During the conference, I will likely serve as a keynote speaker, committee chairperson, and present a paper.”
A native of Turkiye, Ozbek has been part of the U.S. higher education community since 2005 and joined A&M–San Antonio in 2023. His research has been published in leading management journals, including the Academy of Management Review and the American Business Review. Prior to earning his doctorate, he completed three master’s degrees in various areas of business.
The Fulbright Specialist Program selected Ozbek based on his academic and professional accomplishments, leadership, and potential to foster long-term international cooperation. Applications for the program undergo peer review and only 400 are selected nationally each year.
Launched in 2001, the Fulbright Specialist Program connects U.S. scholars and professionals with institutions abroad to share expertise, strengthen institutional ties, develop skills and expand cultural understanding.
As a Fulbright Specialist awardee, Ozbek will remain on the program’s roster through 2028, making him eligible for future international collaborations. Ozbek noted that after completing this upcoming project as a Fulbright Specialist, he’d like to represent the University as a Fulbright Scholar, which typically involves working on longer-term collaborative projects.
“Dr. Ozbek’s recognition as a Fulbright Specialist is a tremendous honor for both him and our University,” said A&M-San Antonio Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mohamed Abdelrahman. “The Fulbright Program is one of the most respected international exchange initiatives in the world, and this award highlights the global impact of our faculty’s expertise. His work in Slovakia will not only strengthen A&M–San Antonio’s international partnerships but also enrich the academic experience we provide our students here at home.”