MTSU Liberal Arts dean completes prestigious Fulbright Program in France

By Mike Davis

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Leah Tolbert Lyons, dean of Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Liberal Arts, recently returned from France after completing the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program, a trip she describes as affirming her commitment to provide international opportunities for students and faculty.

Fulbright is a prestigious academic exchange program run by the U.S. State Department. Participation is competitive, with fewer than 200 U.S. administrators taking part each year.

Lyons was one of only 14 higher education leaders chosen for this year’s France delegation. The seminar in France spanned Reims, Troyes and Paris. During the two-week program, which ran Oct. 4-15, participants met with university leaders, faculty, students and government officials to study higher education systems and expand global cooperation.

Personal journey comes full circle

Lyons’ passion for French started in middle school after she studied the Battle of Hastings and saw how that turning point in 1066 connected French and English. The idea that history could shape language inspired her path. She went on to study French and English at MTSU and later earned a doctorate in French at Vanderbilt University.

Leah Tolbert Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., top right, stands with fellow U.S. participants in the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris on Oct. 14, 2025. The residential campus houses graduate students and scholars from around the world, with buildings representing international partnerships, including the U.S. pavilion built in the 1920s. Lyons was one of 14 higher education professionals selected to take part in the Fulbright France program focused on strengthening global academic collaboration. (Submitted photo)

Her first time outside the United States came as an MTSU undergraduate during a yearlong study abroad program in Besançon, France, an experience she called life-changing.

“My worldview was broadened in a way that still informs my life today,” she said. “I grew to appreciate French culture and other cultures, while cultivating a better understanding and appreciation for my own.”

Learning across France

In Reims, Lyons met with university leaders focused on student access and innovation. In Troyes, she toured renovated learning spaces designed to preserve historical context while supporting modern instruction.

The program concluded in Paris with meetings at leading institutions, including the Franco-American Commission, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, and the National Center for Scientific Research. Discussions centered on women in STEM, international student mobility, and research partnerships.

Reflecting on the French system, Lyons noted the consistency of national academic standards.

“There is an emphasis on quality that adds value to the degree,” she said. “This gives confidence when building partnerships.”

Building bridges for the future

Martine Roussel, executive director of the Franco-American Fulbright Commission, worked with the delegation throughout the program. She said Lyons made a strong impression from the beginning.

Leah Tolbert Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., left, stands with Martine Roussel, executive director of the Franco-American Fulbright Commission, at the Franco-American Fulbright Commission office in Paris, France, on Oct. 13, 2025. Lyons was one of 14 higher education professionals selected to participate in the Fulbright France program, where she met with university leaders, faculty, students, and government officials to study higher education systems and expand global cooperation. (Submitted photo)

“She is warm and approachable, and deeply committed to dialogue and exchange,” Roussel said. “Her strong command of French supported real connection during her stay.”

Roussel said the program strengthens long-term academic collaboration.

“It helps build understanding of our respective systems, fosters cooperation, and often lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships,” Roussel said.

She added that the delegation’s engagement stood out.

“The group brought remarkable energy and curiosity,” Roussel said, noting that several French administrators expressed interest in continued partnership efforts. She also highlighted the rarity of the opportunity. “Only a few countries offer a Fulbright IEA seminar. France is proud to be one of them.”

Support on campus

Lyons credited MTSU Undergraduate Fellowships Specialist Laura Clippard for support during her Fulbright application process.

“What I have seen Laura do countless times for our students, she also did for me,” Lyons said.

Clippard said the collaboration with Lyons reflected the spirit of the MTSU fellowship program and compared her opportunity to the opportunities she encourages students to take advantage of.

“MTSU students are hardworking and often just need encouragement to take that next step and apply,” Clippard said. “These opportunities build confidence, experience and global perspective.”

Clippard added that Lyons approached the process with purpose.

“She embodies the spirit of the Fulbright Program,” Clippard said. “I know she will use what she learned in France to benefit faculty, students and the wider MTSU community.”

Leah Tolbert Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., poses for a photo with the U.S. cohort taking part in the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program in Troyes City Hall, France, on Oct. 10, 2025. Lyons was one of 14 higher education professionals accepted to participate in the Fulbright France program, where she met with university leaders, faculty, students and government officials to study higher education systems and expand global cooperation. (Submitted photo)

Expanding global opportunities

Lyons returned with new contacts, new insight, and a clear focus: expand international experience for MTSU students and faculty. She sees opportunities in student exchange, research cooperation, and collaborative programming. She also continues to encourage students to study abroad.

“When students study abroad, they gain perspective, confidence, and new understanding,” Lyons said. “It prepares them to succeed in a global world.”

Lyons views the experience as an extension of the liberal arts mission.

“I will remember this Fulbright as a milestone in affirming my commitment to higher education, fostering internationalization, and opening doors to make such experiences available to others,” Lyons said. “I am thrilled at the prospect of collaboration for MTSU.”

— Mike Davis (Michael.Davis.2@mtsu.edu)