BCTC Welcomes Fulbright Foreign Teaching Assistant from Kenya

Published on Sep 8, 2025

Lexington, KY - Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is proud to welcome Ms. Merceline Ochieng as its 2025–2026 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA). This announcement comes as BCTC continues to build on its recognition as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for 2024, an honor awarded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Merceline joins BCTC from Kenya, where she earned a Master of Arts in Linguistics from Kenyatta University. She is an experienced language instructor who has taught English, TOEFL, and IELTS to students from Kenya, Francophone countries, Portugal, Spain, China, and Tanzania, and has served as a Graduate Assistant in linguistics at Kenyatta University.

At BCTC this fall, Merceline is teaching and assisting with English Language Learner (ELL) courses and supporting ENG 101/100 for developmental English speakers. In Spring 2026, she will expand her teaching to include International Exchange Studies and Humanities courses introducing students to Kenyan history, literature, poetry, film, and Swahili language skills. She will also collaborate with Global Learning on community-based Swahili workshops and contribute to campus-wide events, including the Global Learning Symposium, Windows to the World, and the Global Learning Festival.

“Welcoming Merceline to BCTC reflects our deep commitment to global learning and cultural exchange,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President/CEO. “Her presence will not only strengthen our academic programs but also broaden the worldviews of our students and community. These connections prepare our graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”

“Hosting Fulbright scholars is a wonderful opportunity to enrich the BCTC community,” said Erin Howard, Associate Dean of Global Learning. “Merceline brings invaluable knowledge and perspectives to our campus, and we are thrilled to learn from her expertise while supporting meaningful global collaborations for our students.”

BCTC’s Fulbright legacy continues to grow. In 2024, the college was named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution, joining the ranks of colleges and universities nationwide with the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Since 2023, four BCTC faculty and staff members have been awarded Fulbright Scholar or International Education Administrator (IEA) awards, with projects in South Africa, France, and beyond. This recognition highlights BCTC’s dedication to expanding global learning opportunities and fostering international collaboration.

In Fall 2024, BCTC also hosted Dr. Michael Moeti of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence. His residence helped strengthen ties between BCTC and TUT, opening new pathways for collaboration in Computer and Information Technologies, cybersecurity, and other technical programs.

With Merceline’s arrival, BCTC continues its strong record of hosting Fulbright participants and creating opportunities for intercultural learning, affirming its commitment to preparing students for success in a global society. 

For more information about the Fulbright program and Global Learning contact Erin Howard, Associate Dean of Global Learning, at erin.howard@kctcs.edu. 

About the Fulbright FLTA Program

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides young educators the opportunity to develop their teaching skills and broaden their understanding of U.S. culture and higher education while strengthening foreign language instruction at colleges and universities across the United States.

About BCTC Global Learning

BCTC Global Learning connects students, faculty, staff, and community members to international opportunities, study abroad programs, and global partnerships. Through strategic collaborations, innovative teaching, and cultural exchange, Global Learning advances BCTC’s mission to prepare students for success in an interconnected world.