When John Sutherlin found out that the Council for International Exchange of Scholars approved him for the Fulbright Specialist Roster, he had to have a cigar.

“This is a great honor for ULM and me personally, only because of the work that I have done since coming to ULM made this possible,” said Sutherlin, an associate professor of political science.

The Fulbright Specialist Roster is a collection of experts in specific areas that work with other experts on short-term projects.

The projects are coordinated and funded through grants or contracts for services from host governments.

Sutherlin now has the opportunity to be considered for future projects by overseas academic institutions.

Sutherlin’s field of study lays in environmental engineering. He was the first to earn a PhD in political science and do graduate work in engineering at the University of New Orleans.

“It has helped me over the years think differently about resolving conflicts and developing real world alternatives for a range of environmental based issues,” Sutherlin said.

Jonathan Cobb, a senior political science major, has worked with Sutherlin and has high praise for him.

“It’s always a privilege to work on a project with Dr. Sutherlin because he really pushes excellence in everything he does,” said Cobb. “I highly respect Dr. Sutherlin. This recognition is well deserved.”

Sutherlin hopes that this opportunity will help to expand the potential of his students.

“Everything I do…I do so with my students in mind,” said Sutherlin. “I see this as a way for them to be engaged in research projects or become exposed to opportunities for graduate school that they did not have.”

Sutherlin was voted by the SGA for the Faculty Award of Excellence in 2008 and holds the Mayme and Tom Scott Professorship in Teaching Excellence.