McNair Program Celebrates 10 Years of Creating Scholars at FSU
posted by Brittany Doss | September 25, 2020 | In NewsThe Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program helps prepare underrepresented students interested in pursuing a PhD by providing them with exposure to what the advanced degree requires.
According to Ms. Erika Bradford, the program coordinator, “McNair helps to prepare students for grad school through authentic research experiences, GRE prep, one-on-one and group assistance with the application process, and networking opportunities with McNair scholars and faculty all around the country.”
This year, FSU’s McNair Program is celebrating 10 strong years of helping students achieve their goal of going to graduate school.
“Students should consider graduate school because education is the great equalizer in many cases. Grad school is where you become a professional. It’s where you begin to discover the things you only dreamed about as a child. Grad school is a sort of proving ground; only the strong survive!” Ms. Bradford said.
McNair Scholar and recent FSU graduate, Dominique Elliot, said, “Not only has McNair helped me achieve my goals, but it helped me realize my goals in the first place. I would have never gone for a Ph.D. in sociology without my experience in McNair. Now I’m currently a first-year graduate student at NC State University’s sociology Ph.D. program, and McNair has definitely prepared me for some [of] the challenges I’ve been facing.”
Elliot earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and minor in Business Administration earlier this year.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students transition from uncertain and inexperienced undergraduate students to confident, resilient, and adaptable professionals ready and prepared for the next stage of development,” Ms. Bradford said.
Elliot offered advice to students considering McNair, “I would definitely give it a try. It’s a serious commitment, so I would try to prepare. The main thing about McNair is that you’re there to gain experience. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to try!”
Ms. Bradford shared the following tips:
- “Don’t worry about what you don’t know…. we will teach you everything you need to be successful.
- “Stay committed and keep your goal in front of you and you will have it before you know it.
- “Don’t let an idea of what you think about the program scare you. Yes, you will work hard, the benefits outweigh the struggle and you aren’t struggling alone.
- “McNair is a FAMILY—PERIOD so think of it as not just joining a program but joining a family.”
The Open House will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 11a.m. via ZOOM. To RSVP, students can email the program assistant, Ms. Esslita Williams at ewilli24@uncfsu.edu.
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