Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) proudly announces that Dr. Daniel P. Mertens, Endowed Professor of Business Strategy in the College of Business and Industry, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship for the 2024-2025 academic year. This fellowship is one of the highest honors in academia, recognizing outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and service.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides opportunities for American scholars to conduct research and teach abroad, fostering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. As the first Fulbright Scholar in the history of Jax State’s College of Business and Industry, Dr. Mertens will join an elite group of scholars and professionals making significant contributions to their fields and building international bridges of knowledge and collaboration.
Dr. Mertens will conduct research at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic, focusing on Tomas Bata’s innovative managerial philosophies. These philosophies, which predate modern management concepts, will be evaluated and justified for their recognition and use in modern global management education and application. Additionally, Dr. Mertens will teach in the graduate program, join and advise several dissertation committees, and assist the school in strategic planning and assessment.
“I am thrilled to have been recognized by the U.S. State Department and the Czech Republic as a Fulbright Scholar for 2024-25,” said Dr. Mertens. “This is a ‘bucket list’ item for me and I am eager to learn everything I can from the great people at Tomas Bata University and the Fulbright Commission.”
Dr. Mertens’ selection for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program underscores his exceptional contributions to the field of business strategy and his commitment to academic excellence. His work not only enhances the reputation of Jacksonville State University but also contributes to the global exchange of ideas and knowledge.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Mertens and his accomplishments,” said Dr. Christie Shelton, Jax State Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “This prestigious honor is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and the high regard in which he is held by his peers. We look forward to seeing the impact of his research and the collaborations that will emerge from this prestigious award.”
Dr. Mertens’ upcoming fellowship highlights the significant strides Jax State is making in the realm of international academic collaboration, further solidifying its status as a beacon of academic excellence.
