For many people, Ronald E. McNair is remembered for being one of seven people who perished in the 1986 explosion of the Challenger space shuttle. But to the thousands of scholars who are members of the program that bears his name, he will be remembered for much more.
Studies show that first-generation college students and minority students, like the super-achieving astronaut Ronald McNair, are unlikely to pursue education beyond the Bachelor degree. They are even more unlikely to obtain a Doctorate.
In response to those statistics, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was born. It aims to change those figures by providing a pipeline to graduate study for students at the undergraduate level.
Recognizing that first-generation college students face unique challenges, the McNair program provides scholars with a model plan of action where one might not be readily available.
"McNair provides the professional support that may not necessarily be there at home," said Cecil Walters, director of the program at UB.
The program boasts over 2,000 members nationally who must each meet specific qualifications.
"We look for students who express intellectual curiosity," said Walters. "We look for those who want to have an impact on the world, whether it be within their family, their community or the nation."
Walters said these passionate characteristics, in addition to dedication and academic merit, make McNair Scholars stand out from the crowd. The preparation for doctoral study that the program provides sets them apart as well.
The program provides students with professional oral presentation experience, GRE preparation, academic support, graduate school visits, networking opportunities, help with graduate school applications, and the writing of personal statements.
The program also nurtures close working relationships among faculty and students. Scholars undertake major research projects each summer, working closely with faculty members who act as mentors.
Together with the focus and drive of the students, Walters said, these opportunities make McNair scholars extremely desirable in today's increasingly competitive world. The experiences of the McNair scholar do more than make for a knockout resume; they groom character as well.
"The McNair scholar possesses a mature, professional demeanor," Walters said. "They are more prepared to start graduate school than others, and more prepared to succeed in graduate school."
Indeed, McNair scholars have gone on to some great things. Many are furthering their reputation for excellence in research, and are conducting groundbreaking research as university professors in very diverse areas of study.
Every year, the UB McNair program hosts a national conference where scholars have the opportunity to present the research they have conducted under their faculty mentor throughout the summer.
Traditionally, one UB McNair alumnus is invited to share their experiences and inspiration with those in attendance. Walters said alumni often express that they owe much of their success to the program.
"Overall, most alums say that at one point they had no idea what they wanted to do. They could not imagine that they would be doing the things they are doing now, and the McNair program and the University at Buffalo were a significant support system for them," Walters said.
Lissa Dehring, a senior art history major in the program agrees. She said she feels immensely grateful to the program already.
"I love the program," Dehring said. "If it wasn't for McNair, I would be lost in a pile of graduate school information with no idea of what to do next to apply."
She said in addition to all the preparation and resources it provides, the program assists her on a very fundamental emotional level.
"The program is an excellent source of support," Dehring said. "Just when you are beginning to doubt yourself or feel as though you just can't do it, you meet up with a fellow McNair and they offer their unconditional support and guidance."
Scholars affectionately refer to this support network as "The McNair Family."
"We coordinate our efforts together, we take part in the same events, we have the same goals in mind. We support each other, and that happens through staff interaction, as well as scholar to scholar interaction, and through faculty support," Walters said.
"I would say that the family metaphor extends nationally as well to all of our scholars in our 176 programs, and that is evidenced when they link up at national events like our conferences and graduate school fairs."
Walters said that sometimes the hardest thing for students to imagine is the greatness they are capable of.
"People may not consider the Ph.D. a viable option," Walters said. "The things that we do introduce the possibility that it is very achievable."
