Dr. Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare students from low-income, first-generation and traditionally underrepresented groups for doctoral studies.
The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
64
NCCU McNair Scholars
40
Current Post-Baccalaureate Students
3
Ph.D. Students
Being a Ronald E. McNair Scholar affords me the opportunity to go beyond my field of study to develop the skills necessary to pursue my Ph.D. and interact with other scholars from various walks of life.
NeTanya Dennis, class of 2023
Dr. Ronald E. McNair
Ronald Erwin McNair was born on October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina, to Carl and Pearl McNair. Although he grew up amidst crushing poverty, McNair always exhibited a deep thirst for scientific knowledge. While in junior high school, Dr. McNair was inspired to work hard and persevere in his studies by his family and by a teacher who recognized his scientific potential and believed in him. Dr. McNair graduated as valedictorian from Carver High School in 1967. In 1971, he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree from the North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro). In 1976, Dr. McNair earned his Ph.D. degree in Physics from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the age of 26 and went on to work with the Hughes Research Laboratory, where he became recognized as an expert in the field of laser physics.
McNair Eligibility Requirements
Enrolled NCCU undergraduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents and meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply to the McNair Scholars Program. Please click the link to review the eligibility requirements.
Faculty Mentors
McNair faculty mentors should have a genuine interest in the student’s future, believe in the student’s abilities and potential to succeed in graduate school, empower and support the student, and provide the student with opportunities to strengthen their graduate school application portfolio. If you are interested in receiving more information or becoming a faculty mentor, please reach out to us using the link below.
Apply Now!
Eligible students can obtain an application from the McNair Scholars Program office located inside the Eagle Landing Residential Hall or from the link below.
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Contact Us
Johnson, Drew
Director for TRIO Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Student Services
Williams Jones Building, Room 010 
919-530-6390