Highlighting Montevallo's McNair Scholars

By: Anleia Nance

The word "research" is probably not the best thing that a student wants to hear. However, that is not the case for students that are members of the McNair Scholars Program. The federally funded program, found in honor of Ronald E. McNair, allows the group to dedicate their time and effort conducting their own studies.

With the help of a faculty mentor, each of them are able to brainstorm over a research topic that they are interested in, and investigate it over the course of the summer I term. At the end of the term, they are given multiple opportunities to present their findings either here on campus or out of state conferences.


The program was designed to help underrepresented undergraduates with low income or those who are first generation college students, and prepare them for graduate school.

 Dr. Leichnitz Helps With Grad School Applications

As of now, over a 100 students have been through the program and have obtained their masters or doctoral degrees.

Director  of the program, Dr. Roberta Leichnitz, enjoys assisting the students with their goals of furthering their education. "It is exciting to see them grow and set off to graduate programs," said Dr. Leichnitz. "I know that they can be successful in this."

Bria Hines Assists New McNair Schola

Besides the staff, members like McNair Scholar Bria Hines, assists many with their research and encourages them to apply for graduate school. " We're all in it together and we're all looking for a goal," said Hines. " We're all pushing each other to get there."

Along with getting the opportunity to present and display their research, the students receives a stipend up to $2,500, three credit hours, and free room and board during the summer.

To see more on what the TRIO program is up to click here.