GMercyU's Chair of Doctoral Studies Dr. Bandlow Named Fulbright Specialist

Dr. Raymond Bandlow, Professor and Chair of Doctoral Studies at Gwynedd Mercy University, has been selected by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and World Learning as a Fulbright Specialist, a three-year appointment that began in October and recognizes his expertise in education policy and leadership.

The Fulbright Specialist Program is widely regarded as a global standard for academic collaboration and cultural diplomacy. It sends 400 U.S. faculty members and professionals abroad for two- to six-week assignments as expert consultants on academic and institutional development. As a Specialist, Dr. Bandlow will be eligible to lead short-term, high-impact projects in partnership with institutions in more than 150 countries. Each project is jointly funded by the host institution and the U.S. Department of State.

“This appointment is an honor and a responsibility,” Dr. Bandlow said. “Fulbright Specialists are called to share knowledge while learning from others, and I’m proud to represent Gwynedd Mercy University in advancing education as a bridge between cultures.”

Dr. Bandlow’s selection, which followed a national peer-review process, builds on GMercyU’s growing relationship with the University of Prishtina in Kosovo. The partnership began when faculty member Dr. Linda Salihu earned her doctorate in education from GMercyU and later facilitated academic exchanges between the universities.

Earlier this year, GMercyU hosted faculty members from the University of Prishtina for a weeklong visit focused on accessibility in higher education, STEM education, and policies supporting educational equity. Building on that exchange, the University of Prishtina has invited Dr. Bandlow to collaborate as part of a Fulbright Specialist project beginning in June. He will deliver lectures, consult with the Faculty of Education on topics including national education policy and access to higher education, and serve as a keynote speaker at the Kosovo International Conference on Educational Research.

For Dr. Bandlow, the Fulbright Specialist designation is an opportunity to further a lifelong commitment to international education. Over his career, he has worked with the governments of South Korea and Japan and led student learning experiences abroad through GMercyU’s annual Ireland immersion program.

His upcoming work in Prishtina will explore how education can unify a nation with a complex history. Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, continues to rebuild its institutions following the conflicts of the late 1990s. Dr. Bandlow’s research and keynote address will focus on education policy as a means of national cohesion and progress.

“Understanding education in a global context helps our students and faculty see how policy, culture, and leadership intersect,” Dr. Bandlow said. “It’s vital for educational leaders to recognize the shared challenges and unique innovations shaping systems worldwide.”

Dr. Bandlow’s work strengthens GMercyU’s international reach and reflects the University’s mission to prepare students for meaningful lives rooted in compassion, shaped by service, and responsive to the needs of a connected world.