Andrae Silburn – a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student in his final semester – and recipient of the Fulbright Laspau Award was recently recognized by Florida State University’s Office of Graduate Fellowship & Awards, and Graduate School.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, a partner of Fulbright Laspau, is one of the world’s leading cultural exchange and higher education programs administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Since the program began in 1946, more than 400,000 scholars from over 155 countries have been awarded Fulbright scholarships. The program’s alumni include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and 40 heads of state or government.
Silburn’s Fulbright Laspau Scholarship – a Harvard affiliated award in support of higher education and research – enabled him to pursue graduate research training and participate within the organization’s dynamic international network, while strengthening bilateral ties through cultural exchanges and engagement.
Silburn, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, is graduating from the Askew School of Public Administration with his Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Graduate Certificate in Civic & Nonprofit Leadership in Spring 2023.
When asked why he decided to attend FSU he shared, “Being situated in the state’s capital and seat of government, and by providing opportunities for collaboration with the neighboring Florida A&M University (FAMU) – FSU was a leading choice,” he said. “FSU has prepared me for the next step in my career by providing the necessary tools and competencies needed to provide meaningful solutions to complex problems.”
While attending FSU, Silburn has been involved with the Black Student Union (BSU), the Askew Student Life Centre (ASLC), and the Department of Student Government & Advocacy (SG&A).
“My most impactful experience at FSU was working with the Department of Student Government & Advocacy (SGA),” Silburn said. “Focusing on leadership, student development and civic engagement, the Department advocates and supports university traditions and initiatives that are not only beneficial to the FSU student body, but to wider communities. This experience was engaging, rewarding and impactful.”
Silburn’s technical interests for the future include the disciplines of public management; program evaluation, projects & strategic planning; legal affairs; regulatory compliance; and nonprofit leadership.
For more information about FSU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA), visit coss.fsu.edu/askew/future-students/mpa-admissions.