The Skyline Newspaper

Photos: Sara Schultz

Program Seeks Applicants for Doctoral Studies

Up to 25 qualified applicants are sought for McNair Program scholarships at Sul Ross State University.

The McNair Program, named after Ronald E. McNair, the first African American astronaut, is designed to assist low income, first generation, and/or under-represented students earn doctoral degrees.

Mary Bennett, McNair Program director, is currently accepting applications for the scholarship. The program assists students to prepare for and pass the GRE, LSAT, and MCAT tests, as well as apply for doctoral programs at other institutions. The McNair program also sponsors travel to graduate fairs and symposiums, along with periodic workshops on how to find and secure graduate funding for involved students.

"We're trying to expose students to the rigorous kinds of scholarly activities and research that they will need for doctorate degrees," Bennett said.

Twenty-five students will be accepted and rewarded with the benefits of the program. Since the program's inception at Sul Ross last November, nine applications have been received.

Each student will receive free tuition, room and board, and a $2,000 stipend for Summer Research. They will also each be mentored by a faculty member appointed to them depending on their field of choice. Recipients will receive three hours of college credit, and will engage in an intense research project in their field of interest.

"We're looking for the best and brightest at Sul Ross State University who want a PhD or similar degree," Bennett said.

Eligibility requirements include first generation/low income, under-represented or military veterans interested in enrolling in a doctoral program; undergraduates who are juniors or seniors, do not have a bachelor's degree, and will have at least 60 credit hours by May 15, 2008.

"We want to find students who are interested in going to medical school, etc," Bennett said.

Students will be matched with faculty members who can help them best in their fields, because the students will be presenting their research at a symposium and may qualify to be published in an academic journal.

"We're actively seeking students who want to get their doctorate," Bennett said; "students who traditionally would have not had access to this educational experience."

For more information or an application, contact Bennett at (432) 837-9054, email mbennett@sulross.edu, or stop in Brick Cottage No. 1 next to Lobo Village.