McNair Scholars program recognized for diversity efforts
Released: October 26, 2006
The McNair Scholars program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was recognized for its diversity achievements yesterday at the State Capitol, receiving the Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award from the State Council on Affirmative Action and the Office of State Employment Relations.
"Receiving the Lydecker Award is a testament to the hard work of the students, alumni, faculty and staff associated with the program, as well as to the commitment of the university to provide challenging and scholarly opportunities for first generation and multicultural students," McNair Scholars Director Richard McGregory said.
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 McNair Scholars program prepares 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.
- Melissa DiMotto,dimottom@uww.edu
