After welcoming the new scholars for 2000, 1998 scholars Candy Pulley and Kennard Nears enjoy lunch next to McNair program associate director Millie Byers and professor of psychology and mentor Dr. Lynnette Zelezny.
New McNair scholars Ninfa Plaza (left) and Janice Traje listen to advice from program mentors on how to trust their instincts when selecting doctoral programs.
by April Schulthies
The United States Department of Education this summer approved renewed four-year funding for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. The $224,130-per- year award funds about 30 stipends of $2,300 each for the year-long program, which includes intensive eight-week research.
Fresno State is the second-highest funded McNair campus in California. On campus since 1993, the program admits approximately 30 new scholars each year.
Sixteen of last year's Fresno State McNair scholars were recently accepted into doctoral programs, with average fellowship and tuition support at the institution of their choice between $15,000 and $40,000 per year.
What drives the success of the program is the opportunity for students to work with faculty members, said Dr. Vivian Vidoli, Division of Graduate Studies dean and McNair Program director.
"You know you have a winning program when both students and faculty become aggressive participants and when other universities seek to copy your program," Vidoli said.
With research topics ranging from confidence measures as predictors of performance to fertilizer recommendations for home, undergraduate students perform on an accelerated level.
Under the guidance of faculty mentors, McNair scholars produce cutting edge research and make formal presentations of their work at professional society meetings and research symposia. Some co-author professional papers with faculty.
After completion of the program, scholars are encouraged to pursue doctoral studies.
"The goal of the program is to make certain students graduate with an academic doctoral degree," said Millie Byers, McNair Program associate director.
Many of the students earn master's degrees at Fresno State and pursue doctorates here or at other institutions.
"Approximately 29 are enrolled in doctoral programs throughout the country and one is earning an Ed.D here," said Marie Fisk, McNair Program academic coordinator.
Byers and Fisk said the program's success rate is increasing.
McNair scholar Latrice Y. Green, a single mother of two, is one of those successes. She has been accepted into Ph.D. programs in school psychology. "The McNair program is a great help in preparation for graduate study. The research experience and staff support are invaluable," Green said.
The McNair Program was founded in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a laser physicist. He was one of the seven astronauts killed during the Challenger accident in 1986. Geared to help disadvantaged college students earn graduate degrees, the McNair Program honors his struggle and sacrifice.
For information, call 278-2946.
| Journal Archive | Academic Calendar | FresnoStateNews | University Relations | About Us | ||