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What is the McNair Program?

McNair is one of eight TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

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Students in the McNair Program pose in front of Butler Auditorium.

How Does the McNair Program Support Future Scholars?

The McNair Program supports future scholars by increasing Ph.D. attainment among students from marginalized segments of society, such as first-generation and low-income students.

Through the McNair Program, institutions:

  • Work closely with McNair participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements.
  • Encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees.
Photo of Ronald McNair in his NASA uniform.

Who was Ronald E. McNair?

Ronald E. McNair was an astronaut for NASA and a physicist. Despite a childhood in a low-income household (often without water and electricity), he went on to obtain a B.S. in Physics and later a Ph.D. in Physics.


The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was named in honor of Ronald's life and work.

Ronald E. McNair

NASA Astronaut and Physicist

Learn More About the McNair Program

Find all the information you need as a prospective scholar, from services and benefits we offer to contact information.

Students must meet following criterion:

  • Be first generation (neither parent or legal guardian has attained a bachelor's degree or higher) and low income.

In addition, all students should:
  • Possess a STRONG interest in obtaining a Ph.D.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Have attained sophomore status
  • Not graduate before December of current year
  • Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA overall
  • Plan to enter a graduate program by the fall after completion of a bachelor’s degree

McNair students can expect to receive the following services and benefits:
  • Personal and academic counseling and assessment
  • Interaction with faculty & graduate student mentors
  • Assistance with graduate admissions
  • Preparation for the GRE
  • Attendance at professional meetings and graduate school visits
  • Presentation of research at national conferences
  • Expanded library and research skills
  • Guidance in completing a scholarly manuscript
  • A summer research internship (with a $2800 stipend at minimum)
Murrell Godfrey

Get in Touch About the McNair Program!

If you want to learn more about the McNair program, give me call or send me an email! I'm always happy to help answer any questions you may have. 

 

If you need to send something in the mail, you can do just that:


Ronald E. McNair Program
The University of Mississippi
1111 Jackson Avenue West
Jackson Avenue Center, Suite D
University, MS 38677

Murrell Godfrey

Assistant Dean of Access and Opportunity Pathways and Associate Professor of Chemistry