The McNair Scholars Program received continued funding at Southern Nazarene University (SNU) last week. This program targets eligible SNU undergraduate students that are academically sound, have intent on pursuing a career that requires a doctoral degree and demonstrate promising potential for success in a graduate program.
The goal of this program is to encourage first generation, economically challenged and underrepresented students to pursue a graduate degree. It also gives undergraduates the opportunity to participate in research studies they likely would not have otherwise, building resumes and gaining valuable experience in the process.
Dr. Kim Rosfeld, Director of the McNair Scholars program, explained the significance behind the refunding of program, saying, “This program is very important for helping… students navigate the intricacies of applying for graduate school, providing the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research and to grow as scholars.”
The refunding of the program not only continues providing these resources to students, it also gives Dr. Rosfeld the ability to begin an SNU Undergraduate Research Office. The goal of creating this office is to “serve the entire student body by providing information about research opportunities for all students,” Dr. Rosfeld stated.
“We are grateful to once again receive the Ronald E. McNair grant,” Dr. Melany Kyzer, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at SNU, said. “Our students have benefited greatly from this program, and their lives have been changed forever. Thanks to Dr. Kim Rosfeld for her tremendous leadership and work with our students. Thanks also to Dr. Gwen Hackler for writing the grant.”
Dr. Rosfeld went on to discuss how the McNair program has seen ninety-five students graduate in its ten year existence. Sixteen of the of those students have completed or are completing doctoral degrees, and forty-five more have achieved or are working towards achieving masters degrees.
One student who is currently enrolled in the program is Jacob Hicks, an English major at Southern Nazarene University and a member of the McNair Scholarship Program. Jacob Hicks is looking to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing after completing his undergraduate work at SNU.
Jacob Hicks claimed that the McNair Program has helped him through research attain scholarships that can benefit 
him in his academic pursuits. Furthermore, the program has helped him research potential graduate schools and how to be a more attractive candidate.
“I just get to learn more and meet incredible people along the way,” said Jacob Hicks.
The McNair Program will continue to help Jacob Hicks and many more students like him for years to come.
[author image=”http://echo.snu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Emma-Wright-Pic.jpg”]Emma Wright, Staff Writer
Emma Wright is currently a Sophomore English Major all the way from Bethany, OK. She enjoys admiring quality writing found in pop culture such as Ke$ha lyrics, Christopher Nolan’s screenplays and Game of Thrones, as well as sharing these passions with friends. Her hopes and dreams are to continue her education by going to graduate school and becoming a journalist for Paste Magazine.[/author]
[author image=”http://echo.snu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Head-shot-e1503934762967.jpg”]Marshall Jones, Editor-in-Chief
Marshall was born in the great city of Houston, Texas. Currently Marshall is a senior at Southern Nazarene University, studying Mass Communication. Marshall has a love for all things bluegrass, coffee, and outdoors.Before becoming Editor-in-Chief at The Echo, Marshall served as both the publication’s Business Manager and as a Staff Writer.[/author]