McNair Scholars program receives state educational diversity award

October 4, 2006

The McNair Scholars program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is the 2006 recipient of the Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award from the State Council on Affirmative Action and the Office of State Employment Relations.

"UW-Whitewater has a long, proud history of embracing diversity. I am so pleased that the State Council on Affirmative Action and the Office of State Employment Relations has recognized what we have accomplished and will honor the McNair Scholars program for its support of multicultural, first-generation and low-income students," Chancellor Martha Saunders said.

Saunders will accept the award on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the State Capitol in Madison.

Since the McNair program began in 1992, UW-Whitewater has had an undergraduate degree completion rate of 99 percent.  More than 75 percent of McNair alumni have enrolled in graduate school.  Of the 148 students served by the program since 1992, six have earned Ph.D.'s, 14 are Ph.D. prospects, 53 have earned master's degrees and 28 are master's degree prospects.

"The UW-Whitewater McNair Scholars continues to exceed goals set for it," Chancellor Saunders added.  "We've accomplished a lot since the program started in 1992. We are so proud that six of our McNair Scholars have earned their Ph.Ds and 14 more are on their way. I am a true believer in the transforming power of education and the McNair Scholars are proof that education makes a difference in peoples' lives."

The McNair Scholars program is designed to prepare first-generation and multicultural students for doctoral study and eventual careers as college professors.  This two-year program is open to 25 select UW-Whitewater juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence as King/Chavez scholars during their freshman and sophomore years. As juniors, McNair scholars participate in a six-week summer research experience at UW-Whitewater where they individually gather research on the topic of their choice, as well as with other McNair scholars for an assigned group research project.  As seniors, McNair scholars participate in a summer research internship at a research center.  Currently, there are 17 students involved in research internship placements working at universities such as the University of North Carolina, Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota.

For more information on the McNair Scholars program, contact McNair Scholars Director Richard McGregory at (262) 472-2804 or mcgregor@uww.edu.