Our Mission

McNair was established principally to address the lack of gender, racial, and income-level diversity among the professorate. The program was designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral studies. Although the authorization of the McNair Program dates back to The Higher Education Act of 1965, the first grant competition was not held until 1989. Truman received the McNair grant in 1992 and has since operated an exemplary program.

Benefits

The success of Truman's McNair Program lies in the program's ability to meet the social, academic, and informational needs associated with gaining entry into and completing doctoral programs by first-generation college and low-income students and underrepresented groups in higher education by:

• Involving them in research, mentoring, and other activities;
• Assisting them in graduating from college and enrolling in graduate school;
• Supporting them in the completion of doctoral studies.

McNair Scholars are matched with faculty mentors from Truman State University who supervise research and assist students in achieving their individual post-baccalaureate educational goals. Students participate in pre-research internships during their sophomore year and summer research internships during their junior year. During their senior year, the focus is on graduate school placement.