First-generation, lower-income and underrepresented TCU students who aspire to earn doctoral degrees have access to a support system through the TCU McNair Scholars Program, which held its first information session of the semester on Wednesday, Sept. 3.   

TCU College of Education’s McNair Scholars Program, run by TCU Student Support Services, provides eligible students with workshops, research programs and graduate school preparation.

Named after Ronald E. McNair, the program honors his academic legacy. McNair earned a doctorate in physics and was among the first three Black astronauts. He died in the Challenger explosion in 1986. 

Founded in 1989, the program is housed in the U.S. Department of Education as one of eight TRIO education programs. ​​The McNair Scholars program is the only program primarily focused on post-baccalaureate success.   

“At TCU, the program centers on preparing first-generation students for doctoral studies, fostering a supportive community and promoting academic and personal growth through research, mentorship and graduate school preparation,” said LaTrina Parker Hall, director of the McNair Scholars program. 

The McNair values include academic excellence, addressing inequities in higher education and helping students grow as lifelong learners and leaders.

With 19 current scholars, nine spots remain during the upcoming academic year. 

“While the program is federally funded and capped at 28 students each year, we’ve expanded our outreach efforts in step with TCU’s growth,” Parker Hall said. “We are working to increase awareness across campus by partnering with more faculty and departments, offering open workshops and growing our social media presence so that more eligible students know about the program and can apply.”

Expanding opportunities

The program plans to hold workshops on preparing strong applications, writing compelling personal statements, making use of graduate school visits and securing funding and fellowships. By increasing awareness, the program hopes to fill the remaining spots while providing a learning experience that prepares students for their future. 

“This year we’re placing an added emphasis on strengthening the research preparation process,” Parker Hall said. “The research component is central to the McNair experience. Each scholar works closely with a faculty mentor on a research or scholarly project in their field. This hands-on experience allows students to strengthen their academic skills, explore graduate-level work and often present at conferences or publish findings.”

This past summer, six scholars presented their research work at the University at Buffalo, and one presented research at Baylor University. 

“The McNair Program is more than academic preparation—it’s about building confidence, community and long-term success,” Parker Hall said. “Many students enter McNair unsure of whether graduate school is possible, and they leave with the skills, resources and belief in themselves to pursue advanced degrees. We want all eligible students to know that McNair is here to walk with them on that journey.”