UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Banner for McNair Program Hope Page depicting astronaut Ronald E McNair

McNair Program

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

Since 2001, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls McNair Program has provided an enriching educational experience for eligible students interested in pursuing a research-based advanced degree, typically a Ph.D.

The McNair Program was established in memory of Ronald E. McNair, a Black American laser physicist and astronaut killed in the Challenger explosion in January 1986. The program is designed to prepare eligible undergraduates in their pursuit of doctoral studies. McNair Scholars participate in courses, seminars, and workshops on topics related to graduate school preparation, conduct a funded research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and students present their research at local, regional, and national conferences.

Eligibility

Undergraduates who are eligible are first-generation college student from low-income background, or members historically underrepresented group (self-identify as Black American or Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American or Alaska Native; or a Native Hawaiian or Native Pacific Islander). The UW-River Falls McNair Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education TRIO Program.

Contact Us

mcnair.scholars.program@uwrf.edu
715-425-3528
216 David Rodli Hall
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Facebook Icon
 

ronald-e-mcnair

Ronald Erwin McNair, Ph.D. was an American astronaut and physicist. He was killed when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in January 1985. After his death, Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, a program dedicated to the high-standards of achievement inspired by Dr. McNair.

 

Scholars attend workshops, courses, and seminars on topics related to graduate school preparation.
Scholars conduct research related to their field of interest and develop the skills necessary for success in an advanced degree program.

The main goal is to assist Scholars in successfully identify a fitting graduate program, construct appropriate application materials, and secure funding for their graduate education.

 
  • A comprehensive graduate school preparation
  • Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs
  • Connections with goal-oriented students with a similar background
  • Workshops, courses, and seminars on topics related to graduate school preparation
  • A paid summer research experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor
 

Ara in greenhouse

McNair Scholar Ara Smith (Cohort 21)

  • Opportunities to present research at national conferences
  • Math and language tutoring
  • Graduate school visits and tours
  • Academic and career counseling
  • Being a part of a diverse, supportive, learning community
 
  • Be interested in pursuing a research-based graduate degree
  • Be a first-generation student from a low-income background OR
  • A member of a group that has been traditionally underrepresented group (self-identify as African-American; Hispanic/Latino(a); Native American or Alaska Native; or Native Hawaiian or Native Pacific Islander)
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Have completed at least 45 academic credits
 

Since 2001:
Total number of McNair Scholars – 256

  • Earned Ph.D.'s – 37
  • Earned Master’s Degrees – 113
  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program – 29
  • Current McNair Scholars - 12

 

 

Degree Map

 

Sierra Howry, Ph.D.

Director
212 David Rodli Hall
715.425.3528
sierra.howry@uwrf.edu

David Rask Behling

HLC Accreditation Coordinator/McNair Program
215David Rodli Hall
715.425.4440
david.behling@uwrf.edu