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Dr. Daniel P. Mertens of Jacksonville State University Selected Fulbright U.S. Scholar For 2024-25

Dr. Mertens Becomes First Fulbright Scholar In College of Business & Industry's History

by Josh Underwood

Jacksonville, AL (07/01/2024) — 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. 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 (predating modern management concepts) and evaluate and justify the Bata Management System's recognition and use in modern global management education and application. He will also teach in the graduate program, join/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."

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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