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Senior Breanne Bessette '26 Awarded Prestigious Fulbright to Spain
Fourth Virginia Wesleyan student to earn nationally competitive honor
University News | May 6, 2026
Graduating Batten Honors College senior Breanne Bessette ’26 has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright grant to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Madrid, Spain, during the 2026–27 academic year. She becomes only the fourth student from Virginia Wesleyan University to receive a Fulbright award. Previous Fulbright Grantees from VWU include: Elizabeth Maxwell (Germany, 2010); Carolina M. Solms-Baruth (Germany, 2009); and Kathleen M. Subich (France, 1993).
A double major in Hispanic Studies and Political Science on the prelaw track, Bessette will graduate on May 16 after building an exceptional record of scholarship, leadership, and global engagement during her time at Virginia Wesleyan.
The Fulbright Scholar Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange initiative, designed to foster mutual understanding between nations through academic and professional opportunities abroad. Recipients are selected through a highly competitive, merit-based process.
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Bessette said her journey to Virginia Wesleyan began with a Batten Honors College recruitment flyer and encouragement from an admissions counselor that inspired her to compete for the Honors College scholarship competition.
“The scholarship that I received is what allowed me to attend college out of state,” Bessette said. “Since then, the Batten Honors College has provided many opportunities that have made me a better student and scholar.”
Those opportunities have included a remarkable range of academic and leadership experiences both on and off campus. In addition to studying abroad in Tarragona, Spain, Bessette served as an editor for the Batten Honors College academic journal, participated in Model United Nations, worked as a Spanish peer tutor, and represented the University as a campus ambassador in the enrollment office.
She also held leadership positions across campus organizations, serving as president of the Prelaw Society and Spectrum organization, vice president of Sigma Delta Pi, and senator in the Student Government Association. Bessette is also a member of the political science honor society Phi Sigma Alpha and has presented research at the Southern Regional Honors Conference for two consecutive years.
Among her many accomplishments, Bessette was also recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Ryan Prize for Excellence in Research.
Bessette said several experiences at Virginia Wesleyan proved especially influential in shaping her future goals, particularly her semester abroad in Spain and participation in Model UN.
“My semester abroad allowed me to get a taste of the culture, which I will now be returning to with the Fulbright grant,” she said. “Participating in Model UN strengthened my desire to study international law and will now connect directly to my Fulbright experience because I will assist with a Model UN class there.”
As president of the newly established Prelaw Society, Bessette also focused on expanding opportunities and visibility for students interested in legal careers.
“Virginia Wesleyan has pushed me to become a better and more ambitious person,” she said. “I have learned to take on every opportunity that has been offered to me, which was a huge contributing factor in applying for the Fulbright grant.”
In Madrid, Bessette will work with students while deepening her understanding of cultural exchange and international diplomacy—experiences she believes will prepare her for a future career in international law.
“Receiving Fulbright is one of my greatest achievements,” she said. “It will allow me to expand my worldview and become more equipped for my future. Madrid is a cultural hub that will allow me to use my skills and interact with many diverse people and perspectives.”
Following the completion of her Fulbright appointment in 2027, Bessette plans to attend law school with a focus on international and constitutional law. She hopes to eventually work in international law, diplomacy, or with organizations such as the United Nations.
“I believe in strong legal institutions and feel that the world is a better place through cross-border cooperation,” she said.
Reflecting on her time at Virginia Wesleyan, Bessette credits the support of faculty, mentors, and the Batten Honors College community for helping her pursue ambitious goals.
“I am grateful for the support system of professors and faculty who have always cheered me on and supported me in everything I have sought to achieve,” she said.