The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, more commonly referred to as the McNair Scholars Program, awards grants to institutions of higher learning for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement with research and other scholarly activities. The program targets and recruits promising students during either their sophomore or junior year. To qualify, students must be either income-eligible and first-generation or a member of an underrepresented group in higher education. Currently, there are a total of 187 McNair Scholars Programs nationwide serving 5,242 Scholars. The Concord University McNair Scholars Program requires each Scholar to conduct research with a faculty mentor and complete a summer internship. The Concord Program provides access to training and resources designed to make the transition into graduate school smooth and successful. Through workshops, academic counseling, and other services, the Program helps Scholars prepare for the graduate school experience academically, financially, and socially. The Concord McNair Program serves 30 students annually from Concord University, West Virginia State University, and Bluefield State College. The Concord McNair Program was initiated in 1995, is currently funded through 2022, and is the only such program in the state of West Virginia. Ronald Erwin McNair was born on October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina, to Carl and Pearl McNair. The house in which he was born had neither running water nor electricity. Although he grew up amidst crushing poverty, McNair always exhibited a deep thirst for scientific knowledge. After graduation from high school, he enrolled in North Carolina A&T State University. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in physics in 1971. McNair then enrolled in the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1976, at age 26, he earned his Ph.D. in physics. While working as a staff physicist with Hughes Research Laboratory, he soon became a recognized expert in laser physics. In 1978, McNair realized his dream of becoming an astronaut; after being selected from a pool of 10,000 applicants for NASA’s space shuttle program, he became the second African-American to fly in space. He served as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Challenger. In addition to his academic achievements, McNair received three honorary doctorate degrees and many fellowships and commendations. These included Presidential Scholar, 1967-1971; Ford Foundation Fellow, 1971-1974; National Fellowship Fund Fellow, 1974-1975; Omega Psi Phi Scholar of the Year, 1975; Distinguished National Scientist, National Society of Black Professional Engineers, 1979; and the Friend of Freedom Award, 1981. McNair also held a fifth degree back belt in karate and was an accomplished jazz saxophonist. Ronald E. McNair was killed on January 28, 1986, in the Challenger accident which claimed the lives of the entire crew. The McNair Office is located in Room 111 of the Jean & Jerry L. Beasley Student Center Since the spring of 1996, 350 Scholars (25 cohorts) have participated in the Concord McNair Scholars Program. Of these Scholars, the following number of Scholars have completed the following degrees: Interested in pursuing a second research project? Try a summer research program. Summer research programs are available at many institutions, especially large research institutions such as MIT. Many scholarships are available for McNair Scholars. Some are targeted toward a certain field of study, others toward a racial minority, and still others are open to everyone. Here is a of scholarships and fellowships. For more information on these and other financial opportunities, contact the McNair office or Lisa Karnes.McNair Scholars Program
Ronald E. McNair 1950-1986
304-384-5153
Email Lisa Karnes
Graduate Degree
Number of Graduates
Philosophy Doctorate
13
Education Doctorate
3
Psychology Doctorate
3
Juris Doctorate
6
Pharmacy Doctorate
4
Medical Doctorate
7
Osteopathic Doctorate
8
Veterinary Medicine Doctorate
1
Doctorate of Dental Surgery
1
Doctorate of Optometry
1
Doctorate of Chiropractic Medicine
1
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
2
Master Degrees (MS, MA)
94
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
9
Master of Social Work
17
Master of Fine Arts
2
Currently in a Graduate/Professional Program
27
Undergraduate Scholarships
Graduate Fellowships
Institute for International Education (IIE)
809 United Nations Plaza
New York NY 10017-3580
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, more commonly referred to as the McNair Scholars Program, awards grants to institutions of higher learning for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement with research and other scholarly activities. The program targets and recruits promising students during either their sophomore or junior year. To qualify, students must be either income-eligible and first-generation or a member of an underrepresented group in higher education. Currently, there are a total of 187 McNair Scholars Programs nationwide serving 5,242 Scholars. The Concord University McNair Scholars Program requires each Scholar to conduct research with a faculty mentor and complete a summer internship. The Concord Program provides access to training and resources designed to make the transition into graduate school smooth and successful. Through workshops, academic counseling, and other services, the Program helps Scholars prepare for the graduate school experience academically, financially, and socially. The Concord McNair Program serves 30 students annually from Concord University, West Virginia State University, and Bluefield State College. The Concord McNair Program was initiated in 1995, is currently funded through 2022, and is the only such program in the state of West Virginia.McNair Scholars Program