Stokes Piercy has long understood the power of story.
Whether behind the camera, at the front of a classroom or lecturing on superhero films and cultural identity, Piercy has spent more than a decade honing his craft as an internationally recognized filmmaker and scholar.
Now, the East Tennessee State University assistant professor has earned one of the most prestigious academic honors in the world: a Fulbright Scholar award.
The Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission selected Piercy as a scholar for the 2025-26 academic year. As a Fulbright Scholar, he will represent the United States while collaborating with academic and cultural institutions abroad.
“I am honored to be selected as a Fulbright Scholar and among the esteemed awardees across the globe,” said Piercy, an assistant professor in the Department of Media and Communication. “Fulbright is built on cultural exchange — the idea that when we share our stories across borders, we create empathy, connection and insight. That’s what I hope to bring to the table as both a scholar and filmmaker.”
In Hungary, Piercy will conduct research and produce a feature-length documentary titled “Himler: From Coal to Colonel,” a film that explores the untold story of Martin Himler — a Hungarian immigrant who passed through Ellis Island in 1908 and went on to found an Appalachian-Hungarian immigrant coal town. Himler later served as a decorated intelligence officer during World War II, interrogating dozens of Nazi war criminals and contributing to justice in the wake of the Holocaust.
Piercy’s project seeks to bridge cultures and highlight the shared history between Hungary and Appalachia through this little-known but remarkable figure.
Born and raised in Appalachia, Piercy brings regional insight to a global stage. His films, selected at more than 30 festivals worldwide, include “John Dee,” “A Rare Breed,” “Dear Destiny” and “The Heart of Sullivan County.” His work has earned 14 international awards and been praised for its blend of technical precision and narrative depth.
At ETSU, Piercy teaches courses in production, screenwriting, media theory and brand storytelling. He is also a published scholar whose research spans media culture, popular film and ideology in fantasy and superhero genres. He has presented nationally and internationally on the role of mythology and identity in cinema, especially through characters like Captain America and the X-Men.
“Stokes Piercy exemplifies the kind of innovation and leadership that define East Tennessee State University,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “Through creative work, scholarship and public impact, he represents the very best of our institution — and we are immensely proud of his Fulbright recognition.”
In addition to his teaching and research, Piercy has mentored students through film projects, thesis committees and ETSU’s Rhodes Scholar pipeline. He recently served as interim director of the university’s M.A. program in brand and media strategy and remains active in university committees and service initiatives.
With more than 400,000 alumni since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange. Scholars engage in groundbreaking work across more than 160 countries, helping build mutual understanding and solve global challenges.
ETSU has signaled a strong commitment to helping students and faculty capture nationally and globally competitive scholarships. Earlier this year, student Leah Loveday won the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Former Student Government Association President Trent White was a finalist for the internationally renowned Rhodes Scholarship.
“Dr. Piercy’s achievement reflects not just his talent and hard work but the strength of mentorship and community here at ETSU,” said Dr. Carson Medley, assistant dean of the Honors College and director of the university’s Office of Prestigious Awards. “Fulbright is about mutual understanding and meaningful exchange, and Stokes is the kind of educator who will carry that mission forward with heart and purpose.”
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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