MATC Scholars Program: Dr. Erick C. Jones, PE and Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE
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The document provides an overview of the MATC Scholars Program, which was created in 2010 to encourage underrepresented minority students to pursue graduate studies in STEM fields. The program brings students and faculty together for conferences to discuss challenges in higher education and strategies for transitioning to graduate programs. The first conference in 2010 saw over 20 students and faculty participate in engaging activities. It resulted in a successful networking event and community for underrepresented students. The program aims to address the lack of support for minority students pursuing graduate degrees through workshops on skills and overcoming barriers.
MATC Scholars Program: Dr. Erick C. Jones, PE and Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE
- 1. Overview of MATC Scholars Program Dr. Erick C. Jones, PE & Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE MATC Scholars Program October 3rd – 6th University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- 2. Outline •Introduction •Learning Objectives •Learning Outcomes •Session Presentation •Conclusion
- 3. Learning Objectives • Discussion of the history and overview of the MATC Scholars program
- 4. Learning Outcomes • Provide the history, overview, need, and success of the MATC Scholars program
- 5. History • Dr. Stephanie Adams introduced the idea of “an encouragement and transition conference for underrepresented groups considering graduate school in STEM” to Dr. Laurence Rilett as an important theme for the Mid-American Transportation Center (MATC) • Dr. Rillet then met with Dr. Jones (at UNL in 2010) and Dr. Perkins to propose on how this program could become a reality and benefit students the most • The team formed a planning conference in Spring 2010 and brought together an exciting team of committed faculty • The first MATC Scholars Conference took place on September 24-26th, 2010
- 6. Original Theme and Purpose • In the past, there has not been adequate consideration of the difficulties that minorities, and often first generation students encounter in their pursuit of higher education. But with this undertaking, we hope to work toward addressing that issue. • We have taken great care to select faculty participants who have experienced the challenges of pursuing graduate studies at doctoral/research universities that engaged in extensive research activities and have the desire to work with diverse, underrepresented minority students who are interested in pursuing graduate school.
- 7. MATC Scholar’s Program Goals • Promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) higher education opportunities to students from underrepresented groups (e.g., underrepresented minorities and women) • Encourage underrepresented students to pursue graduate studies in STEM at doctoral/research extensive universities.
- 8. 2010 Results • Over 20 students and faculty participated and were engaged in the conference activities. Strong participation from STEM faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) led to key strategies and useful information on how to overcome challenges faced by underrepresented students pursuing graduate studies at doctoral/research extensive universities; • A successful conference for underrepresented students enrolled in the STEM disciplines at HBCUs and MSIs who were exposed to skills for successfully transitioning into graduate school as well as enhancing their performance at doctoral/research extensive universities;
- 9. 2010 Results • Networking activities and a diverse STEM support community was created • The program was renewed for 2012
- 10. Original Faculty Participants (2010) Educating Listening Facilitating Networks
- 11. Original Faculty Participants (2010) • Dr. Erick C. Jones, University of Nebraska-Lincoln • Dr. Judy A. Perkins, Prairie View A&M University • Dr. Ella L. Kelley, Southern University • Dr. Ibibia K. Dabipi, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore • Dr. Edgar R. Blevins, Southern University • Dr. Deo Chimba, Tennessee State University
- 12. Original Faculty & Student Participants (2010) Overcoming Challenges Skills for Successful Transition Networking
- 13. Expectations for 2012 Scholars Conference • 2012 is your year • Your part • Pay attention • Ask questions • Network • Provide feedback • Stay in touch • Have Fun – • Not too much
- 14. Conclusion • Thank you for accepting the invitation to participate in this worthy venture • I believe we can make a difference
- 15. CREDITS Dr. Judy A. Perkins, P.E. Dr. Erick C. Jones, P.E., CSSBB Professor Associate Professor Prairie View A&M University University of Texas Arlington Department of Industrial and Civil & Environmental Manufacturing Systems Engineering Engineering Department Arlington, TX 76017 Prairie View, Texas 77446 (817) 272-7592, 936-261-1665 ecjones@uta.edu juperkins@pvamu.edu Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.