McNair was truly a blessing to me. I gained an unconditional support system and experience developing, conducting and presenting my own research.
Testimonials
Jeremy Freese
The opportunities, connections, and friendships I received at Truman are largely because of McNair. Amanda, Dr. Cianciola, Stephanie, and Meghan were all huge contributors to and supporters of my future success. In the short time I was a part of the program I was challenged to question my “why,” reach my full potential, and understand that this is all bigger than myself. It goes without saying that McNair was fundamental in influencing my interest in a career in higher education.
Alyssa Soles
In my McNair experience, I found a group of like-minded people who value hard work and education as much as I do. Through McNair, I gained the support I needed to conduct my own research, as well as the direction I needed for my path after my undergraduate degree.
Tre’Andice Williams
I started off in Pre-McNair during my first year of college, not really knowing what I was getting myself into, but wanting to improve academically. Through McNair, I’ve realized there are opportunities and supports for students whose parents didn’t go to college or who were raised in low-income households. McNair staff has made it very clear that you are in control of your future and can achieve anything if YOU do the work. Overall, my McNair experience has been uplifting. I say this because the staff not only encourages you to be your best self and do what you love (research), but also makes sure that you are able to get the same opportunities as the richest men on earth.
McKenzie Garner
McNair has helped me understand how to navigate undergraduate tasks and has prepared me for graduate ones I’ll face in the future. As a first generation college student, information like this is vital, as I don’t have another source to get it from. An added bonus of McNair is having a supportive cohort that is going through the same things you are.
Danielle T. Cooper, PhD
McNair provided me with the resources needed to complete my PhD in six years. My work currently engages the next generation of undergraduate and graduate students in asking questions that inform issues related to crime and justice. I am proud to share lessons I have learned to encourage them.
Dr. Leia Penina Wilson
I believe that identity is history, and I will always be grateful to the McNair program for giving me permission, by recognizing my experiences and struggle and rigor, to think of that history as valuable. As worth pursuing, as worth writing and reclaiming. As a Samoan, first-generation college student, I honestly had no idea about how to apply to graduate school, let alone how to fund my research interests. McNair’s focus on community and scholarship helped me realize those goals.
Emmanuel Camarillo
Being a first-generation student, I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but did not know how. This program helped me get through the graduate school application process while also giving me the opportunity to do graduate-level research and build a community of friends and mentors.
Dr. Shureka Nyawalo
I’m grateful to the Truman McNair program not only for preparing me for graduate-level research but also for the sense of community and cooperation that it encourages. I’ve been able to implement some of the techniques I learned through the McNair program in my professional life, such as presentational skills and networking.
Analia Albuja
McNair was a transformational experience that prepared me to apply and be successful in a PhD program. Without McNair I would not have had the opportunity to conduct an independent research project or be mentored individually. These experiences solidified my interest in pursing a PhD and a career in research.