SALT LAKE CITY–Westminster University’s McNair Scholars program is one of a kind in Utah. For over 20 years, Westminster has hosted the federally funded TRiO program, supporting talented students from underrepresented backgrounds in their journey to graduate school with the aim of increasing faculty diversity in academia. As the only McNair Scholars program in Utah, Westminster’s program invites students from Westminster University, the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and the College of Southern Idaho to apply.
The McNair Scholars Program is named after Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and NASA astronaut who was the second African American to fly in space. He died in the Challenger explosion in 1986 but his legacy continues through TRiO. At Westminster University, students in the program have access to faculty mentorship, research funding, fully funded summer housing and meal stipends, graduate school preparation, conference visits, and much more. One of the biggest benefits of the program, however, is the connections that students make with each other.
“The McNair Scholars Program gave me more than research experience. It gave me confidence. It gave me mentors who believed in me before I believed in myself. And it gave me a family,” said student Diego E. (’27), who spoke at the McNair Scholars graduation ceremony this spring.
At the graduation ceremony, students highlighted the sense of belonging they felt in the program. Along with faculty mentorship, students are supported by McNair Scholars program staff, including director and TRiO alumna, Karla Motta.
“McNair Scholars are change agents. The academic research that scholars produce makes a difference in their respective fields and direct impact on the local community. We have McNair alumni researching disease prevention to identifying factors for student departure from community colleges. Not only do we prepare students for graduate school, but we understand that for many of them the research their conduct is in relation to solving an issue directly impacting growth and opportunities in the community. McNair, a part of TRiO programs, does work!” says Karla.
As Diego closed out his speech, he reminded the McNair Scholars Class of 2027 about how they belong in graduate school and beyond.
“To my fellow McNair Scholars, never forget that you belong. You belong in graduate school. You belong in research. You belong in every room where knowledge has the power to change lives. Congratulations to the McNair Scholars Class of 2027!”
