Three alumnae from the University of North Georgia (UNG) were designated Fulbright finalists for 2025-26. They include students from the College of Arts & Letters, College of Science & Mathematics, and Mike Cottrell College of Business.

Four additional students were named alternates. 

Tracy Amaya earned a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration. The Gillsville, Georgia, native was selected for an English teaching assistantship in Spain. She served as a student speaker at her fall 2024 commencement. Amaya began her academic career by pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in political science. She was active in Model United Nations and Latino Student Association and participated in the Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in 2024. In 2025, she was recognized at UNG's Women's Leadership Recognition Luncheon. 

"To say that I am honored and humbled to have been selected as a Fulbright finalist would be an understatement. Being selected as a Fulbright scholar not only reflects my hard work and dedication, but also my resilience," Amaya said. "This award is a powerful reminder of the struggles my parents, both immigrants from Latin America, have had to overcome to help me be the person I am today. I am forever grateful for my parents' courage and for always believing in me." 

Amaya said the accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of the faculty in UNG's Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) — Dr. Anastasia Lin and Dr. Victoria Hightower — along with her mentor, Dr. Bibek Chand.

Aysia Bittinger graduated in May with a degrees in physics and mathematics and a minor in Chinese. The Martinez, Georgia, resident was selected for an English teaching assistantship in Taiwan. She has been awarded several previous accolades, including an National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at Notre Dame and the Goldwater Scholarship. Bittinger was also UNG's 2024 Academic Recognition Day Scholar. She'll spend the summer interning at the Department of Energy.

Charlotte Sims, an alumna from Helen, Georgia, with a degree in management, was selected for an English teaching assistantship in South Korea. Sims graduated in fall 2024 and served as a student speaker at her December commencement. Sims was active in the Korean Club and held multiple jobs beyond UNG as a coordinator for a wedding planning company and an events manager at Kaya Vineyard and Winery.

Fifty-five UNG alumni have been selected as Fulbright finalists in the past 10-plus years, with seven declining and two being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These phenomenal UNG students join our previous Fulbright awardees, who have applied the leadership and diplomacy they've learned at UNG to their positions in teaching and research around the world," Lin, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and NCS director, said.

These students were named as alternates:

• Sara Gonzalez Gonzalez is earning a degree in international affairs with a European concentration in summer 2025. The Newnan, Georgia, resident is seeking to teach English in Spain.
• Fatima Santillan earned her degree in political science in May. The Gainesville, Georgia, resident is seeking to teach English in Spain.
• Jessie Zinn earned a degree in history with teacher certification in May. The Gainesville, Georgia, resident is seeking to teach English in Bulgaria.
• Ethan Post earned a degree in history in fall 2024. The Hoschton, Georgia, resident is seeking to complete a master's Program at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.

The Fulbright program enables graduates to pursue research activities, become English teaching assistants, or enroll in graduate school in other countries. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and residents of more than 160 foreign countries, according to the Fulbright website.

Students interested in learning more about nationally competitive scholarships should contact ncs@ung.edu for more information.