UNF freshman accepted into Fulbright UK Summer Institute Program

University of North Florida freshman Joey Pallmann is soaring high as the institution’s first finalist and winner of a Fulbright UK Summer Institute (UKSI) scholarship. The Fulbright UKSI’s are three-to-four-week programs offered to U.S. undergraduates with limited travel experience. Those accepted into the program learn about UK culture and history while engaging in coursework at one of the UK’s many respected college institutions. 

Pallmann, an honors student majoring in international business, first applied to the program in January and was recently notified of his acceptance. 

“I felt amazing,” said Pallmann, discussing his reaction to discovering he was accepted into the Fulbright UKSI program at the University of Birmingham in England. “It is such an honor to have been accepted into the program.”  

While abroad, he will study business and British cultural heritage. 

The US-UK Fulbright Commission annually supports up to 60 U.S. undergraduates to participate in rigorous academic and cultural summer programs at top UK institutions. Participants undergo a highly competitive application and interview process that evaluates their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, cultural curiosity, leadership potential and more. 

Freshman Year at UNF 

Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Pallmann was adopted as a young child and moved to the U.S. During his middle and high school years, he developed an interest in the nonprofit sector, further leading to exploring business majors. While in high school, he began researching colleges that offered diverse cultural and business programs. After learning about UNF’s Hicks Honors College (HHC) and the Coggin College of Business, Pallmann applied to UNF and received the President’s Platinum scholarship. 

During his first semester in fall 2024, he met Dr. Tiffany Kershner, HHC instructor and director of fellowships advising. Kershner told him about various scholarship opportunities, including the Fulbright UKSI program. With assistance from Kershner and others in the HHC, he applied to the program. He credits the endless support of the HHC faculty and staff for helping him gain his first opportunity to travel and study abroad. 

“I want to thank Dr. Kershner for helping me through the entire process,” said Pallmann. “Dr. Brown and General Tryon also supported me with their invaluable recommendations.” 

Kershner expressed how proud she and others in the HHC are of Pallmann’s achievement. 

“All the staff in the Hicks Honors College are incredibly proud of Joey's accomplishment,” she said.  “What impresses us the most about Joey is his initiative to get involved in Honors activities and events and his eagerness to embrace opportunities on campus and beyond.” 

Like the HHC faculty and staff, members of the Coggin College of Business have also been impressed by Pallmann. 

“Besides his intelligence, Joey is one of the most proactive and enthusiastic students I have met in my 17-plus years at UNF,” stated Coggin Study Abroad Director Kate Learch. “He’s one of those students who appreciates and fully participates in the opportunities afforded to him.” 

A self-starter who loves to seek opportunities for growth by helping others, Pallmann is involved in several campus organizations. He serves on the board of community engagement in the Honors Student Union; he’s a member of Unidos — an Honors Student Union Special Interest Group and he’s a member of the Presidential Envoys, serving as vice president of treasury. 

As he wraps up his second semester at The Nest, Pallmann says he feels incredibly supported by the campus community. 

“UNF gives its students the empowerment to seek service opportunities and conduct research,” he said. 

When he’s not involved with his studies or one of his many activities, he enjoys playing the piano and exercising. 

Nonprofit goals and Fulbright UKSI Participation 

As an international business major with a minor in Spanish, Pallmann hopes to one day establish a nonprofit organization to help disadvantaged individuals in Guatemala, the U.S. and beyond gain access to valuable resources, including education. Through his coursework, he intends to learn about nonprofit operations and the best methods of conducting business across borders. 

He says participation in the Fulbright UKSI program is a prolific step toward attaining his goal of operating a nonprofit. 

“Fulbright as an organization is major in that they want to train a generation of motivated people who want to give back and help others,” said Pallmann. “Their goals align directly with my goals of establishing a nonprofit.”