In a climate of shrinking international sponsorships and funding withdrawals, Open Window University has achieved a remarkable milestone: the institution has been awarded a Fulbright Specialist visit, reaffirming its commitment to global academic exchange and creative innovation.
From 3 to 15 September, Open Window University will host Dr Zelda Lockhart, an acclaimed author, educator, and expressive arts therapist whose work bridges creative writing, digital storytelling, and social transformation. Her visit, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Specialist Program, marks a significant moment for the university – and for the region – as it continues to build meaningful partnerships despite geopolitical headwinds.
Dr Lockhart’s residency will include a public keynote lecture exploring how expressive arts can transcend identity divides and foster generational healing. She will also lead a faculty training session focused on integrating humanities-based approaches into digital arts education, using her “personal plot method” to help educators reimagine curriculum for personal and social transformation. The programme culminates in a week-long digital storytelling workshop, where students from Zambia and the United States will craft and exchange digital memoirs, using Adobe Creative Cloud and guided writing techniques to explore lived experiences and cultural connections.
This cross-cultural exchange not only enriches Open Window University’s academic community but also reflects the enduring power of international collaboration. The Fulbright Program continues to serve as a vital bridge between institutions, ideas, and generations. Open Window University successful bid for a Fulbright Specialist underscores the university’s resilience and its role as a regional leader in creative education.
Dr Lockhart’s visit aligns with Open Window University’s vision to expand its digital arts curriculum into the realm of digital humanities, integrating expressive arts and storytelling into academic practice. The initiative is supported by Open Window University’s Research Institute and builds on the university’s growing international partnerships, including a number in the United States.
