Overview of MATC Scholars Program

Dr. Erick C. Jones, PE&

Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE

MATC Scholars ProgramOctober 3rd – 6th

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Outline

• Introduction

• Learning Objectives

• Learning Outcomes

• Session Presentation

• Conclusion

Learning Objectives

• Discussion of the history and overview of the MATC Scholars program

Learning Outcomes

• Provide the history, overview, need, and success of the MATC Scholars program

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

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.

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.

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;

2010 Results

• Networking activities and a diverse STEM support community was created

• The program was renewed for 2012

Original Faculty Participants (2010)

Educating

Listening

Facilitating Networks

• 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

Original Faculty Participants (2010)

Overcoming Challenges

Skills for Successful Transition

Networking

Original Faculty & Student Participants (2010)

• 2012 is your year

• Your part• Pay attention• Ask questions• Network• Provide feedback• Stay in touch

• Have Fun –• Not too much

Expectations for 2012 Scholars Conference

Conclusion

• Thank you for accepting the invitation to participate in this worthy venture

• I believe we can make a difference

Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.

Dr. Erick C. Jones, P.E., CSSBB Associate Professor

University of Texas Arlington Department of Industrial and

Manufacturing Systems Engineering Arlington, TX 76017

(817) 272-7592, ecjones@uta.edu

CREDITS

Dr. Judy A. Perkins, P.E.Professor

Prairie View A&M UniversityCivil & Environmental

Engineering DepartmentPrairie View, Texas 77446

936-261-1665juperkins@pvamu.edu