91Ѱ Associate Professor Benjamin Melusky has accepted a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award and plans to teach in Japan during the 2025-26 academic year.
The Political Science professor — whose specialties include state government, legislatures and executives — got the good news in a Feb. 5 message from the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
“It was a moment of complete shock,” Melusky wrote in an email the next day. “I had unsuccessfully applied for this award last cycle, and knew it was a long shot when I applied this time around.
“I am so incredibly grateful to my colleagues Jesse Richman and Jonathan Leib, 91Ѱ Fulbright Adviser Scott Berlin — and for assistance from the 91Ѱ Research Foundation in making this a reality.”
Melusky’s desire to teach in Japan is related to its history and links to the United States. “It provides a fascinating case study of democratization, as Japan’s shift from a feudal system to a democracy parallels America’s transition from a European colony to a representative democracy,” he wrote. “I thus am interested in teaching Japanese students about America’s founding principles and democratic growth to deepen their appreciation of their own political system and the broader role of democracy.”
He noted that the two nations share many interests and ties. “Amidst challenges to the region from China, this alliance is even more vital to enhancing trade and security among Pacific Rim countries,” Melusky wrote. “Teaching in Japan as an American citizen thus highlights my commitment to strengthening this relationship.”
Melusky earned his doctorate in Political Science from University of Pittsburgh in 2015. He began teaching at Old Dominion in July 2016.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1948, is devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. It describes itself as world’s largest and most diverse international exchange program.
“As a Fulbrighter, you will join the ranks of many distinguished program participants. Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet members, CEOs, and university presidents as well as leading journalists, artists, scientists, and teachers,” the announcement letter to Melusky stated. “They include 62 Nobel Laureates, 95 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.”
Melusky is excited to experience Japanese culture through mentoring, conversations, and friendships.
“This firsthand exposure to these similarities and differences will enrich my dedication to comparative learning, and this broader outlook will better prepare me to guide U.S. and international students toward active global citizenship,” he wrote. “I will bring valuable insights from this experience to better educate my American students.”