Colorado State University Business Professor Named as a Fulbright Scholar for Portugal

Susan Athey, associate professor of computer information systems at Colorado State University’s College of Business, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar to teach and study at the University of Evora in Portugal.

Athey is one of three professors in the nation chosen this year to conduct research and participate in curriculum development in the area of computer information systems. She is the only scholar to participate at the master’s level in the field.

The Fulbright program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides grants for scholars and professionals to exchange mutually beneficial ideas and expertise.

Fulbright grantees lecture and conduct research in more than 140 countries around the world in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. The program sends 800 U.S. scholars and professionals abroad each year.

Athey will teach a master’s level course in computer information systems and also conduct a research project for three months beginning in April. She will be studying how Portugal can better use e-commerce and barriers the country may face expanding the use of e-commerce.

"Now that Portugal is part of the European community, recent infrastructure development has given quick rise to technology advancements," Athey said.

Athey will be instrumental in sharing the latest knowledge and ideas in computer information and she will in turn learn how e-business is used in Portugal and other European countries. This information will enhance the strong emphasis placed on the global-based curriculum at Colorado State’s College of Business.

Fulbright Scholars are chosen for leadership in their areas of expertise and are encouraged to go beyond their field knowledge to observe and share political, economic and cultural ideas with their host country.

The Fulbright program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by former Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. About 250,000 grantees have participated in the program since its inception more than fifty years ago.