Alcorn students participate in Illinois Partners for Diversity Summit

Alcorn students participate in Illinois Partners for Diversity Summit

Alcorn students participate in Illinois Partners for Diversity Summit

Three Alcorn State University honor students recently participated in the Illinois Partners for Diversity (IPD) Summit held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. DeAndrei Sanders, a senior social science major, Jessica Smith, a senior nutrition and dietetics major, and DeAnte’ V. Spann, a junior elementary education major, were accompanied by Dr. Donzell Lee, vice provost, and Dr. Gwendolyn C. Dooley, assistant director for Honors Curriculum Program. Alcorn students, among their peers from across the United States, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, participated in various workshops and seminars aimed at exposing students from underrepresented populations to academic opportunities critical for success at the graduate school level.

“Attending the Summit and visiting the University of Illinois campus gave our students a valuable opportunity to learn about various educational resources, meet students of diverse backgrounds and obtain information on summer scholarships, internships and graduate programs,” stated Dr. Dooley. “Our students showed genuine interest in pursuing graduate degrees in the areas of education, health/food science and social science. We invite other students to come by Honors to find out about various opportunities that Alcorn has to offer.”

At the Summit, students had a chance to develop connections with faculty members in their respective majors and gain valuable insight into the graduate college application process, available funding, and campus life. They also took several tours of the campus which included a tour of Bluewater, the largest supercomputer on a college campus, the Latino, Native American, and African-American cultural houses, and the campus library.

DeAndrei Sanders said, “I was impressed with the resources available that address the uniqueness of minority students and their needs. It was great to find out that the graduate college understands the value of multiculturalism.”

DeAnte’ V. Spann shared, “I really enjoyed this experience and received lots of valuable information on the university as a whole and what it offers in my area of study. I particularly enjoyed listening to a panel of graduate and Ph.D. students share their experiences while earning their degrees. Now I know more on what to expect from graduate school.” He added, “I benefited greatly by attending this Summit and appreciate such an opportunity to represent Alcorn!”

For more information on Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs, please email [email protected] or call 601.877.6139.

Pictured: Alcorn group at the Summit.