Noosha Malek
Academic Recognition Programs (ARP) boasted a banner year in 2008 under the leadership of Director Noosha Malek. A record 17 USC students earned Fulbright Scholarships, almost doubling the 2007 number. The students, including graduating seniors and master's students, Ph.D. candidates and alumni, hailed from a wide range of disciplines and are now studying around the world.
"We ranked in the top 10 in research institutions across the nation, and within that group, we ranked second in the percentage of applicants who received the grant," Malek says.
The number of current applicants is similar to last year and the number of finalists will be announced in early February, according to Malek.
"Noosha has done an outstanding job in helping students achieve continued success on a national and international scale," says Denzil J. Suite, associate vice president for Student Affairs. "We are fortunate to have her and Martha (Enciso) leading this important initiative for the university."
Born in Iran, Malek moved to California at age seven. She understands firsthand the perspective that exposure to other countries can bring. "I studied in Paris for an academic year while at CSULB and interned with the exchange program," she says. "I knew then that I was interested in international education."
After completing her master's degree in the PASA (Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs) program at the Rossier School of Education, Malek first worked as the interim director of Academic Recognition Programs before being hired permanently. She plans to build on ARP’s record-breaking year. "We are conveying a message about the possibility—personal and educational—in pursuing these fellowships," she says.