NEW SEC Emerging Scholars Program at UM Graduate School

By: Margaret Savoie

In 2021, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools created a new program to promote the success of current doctoral students and postdoctoral associates, with attention to those from historically underrepresented groups, in their professional development as they work towards becoming future faculty members at an SEC member institution. The initiative grew from discussions among the provosts at the 14 institutions and began with an annual workshop. Now, in its second year, the institutions agreed to minimum stipends for the scholars, financial support to attend the annual seminar, and provision of funds to pursue other professional development opportunities that align with their unique scholarly needs.

At The University of Mississippi, the SEC Emerging Scholars program is funded by the Office of the Provost. This year, each SEC Institution selected up to five scholars. Selection criteria included advanced standing in their graduate work or postdoctoral status, demonstrated exceptional research and/or teaching skills, and established interest in a career in higher education. Below, we introduce you to our five SEC Emerging Scholars for 2022-2023.

Sheerah Neal Keith, originally from Wilson, NC, is a doctoral candidate in counselor education and supervision. Her research focuses on early childhood adversity, toxic stress among newborns to children five years of age, and the social determinants of mental health. Keith also studies interventions designed to reduce the impact of early childhood adversity and toxic stress, which can significantly affect an individual’s life trajectory.

“My favorite part of being an Emerging Scholar has been the professional development activities, the greatest example being the 3-day workshop we attended this fall at the University of Missouri,” said Keith. At the workshop, scholars had the opportunity to work and speak with faculty and administrators from all 14 of the SEC institutions and they received feedback on elevator pitches and written materials for future faculty position applications.

Dr. Ashley White Jones, originally from Lambert, MS, is a postdoctoral research associate for in health promotion. Jones’s academic research focuses on health equity and disparities in the Black community. Her current research focus explores culturally responsive mental health teletherapy for Black and other minority communities.

“The Emerging Scholars program is an excellent opportunity to secure a future career in academia,” said Jones. “The program is designed to help amazing doctoral students and postdocs stay in the academy. It is a great way to help grow on your own and actively support others throughout their journey.”

Alicia L. Arrington-Thomas, originally from Los Angeles, CA, is a biology graduate student studying fire ecology. Arrington-Thomas hopes to use fire as a source of restoration to repair forested ecosystems.

“When Dr. Murrell Godfrey informed me that I was accepted as an Emerging Scholar, I was overjoyed with excitement,” said Arrington-Thomas. “I’ve never experienced being called a scholar; there was this feeling of humility, allowing me to become comfortable in my place of purpose, vision, power, and knowledge.”

Rashun Miles, originally from Philadelphia, PA, is a doctoral candidate in social welfare studying social work. Miles’s work centers on thinking through and implementing interventions that help mitigate compassion fatigue among nurses who treat clients with infectious diseases.

“I enjoy being an Emerging Scholar because it is a new initiative full of fresh potential,” said Miles. “My favorite part is actually looking toward the future and seeing future Emerging Scholars’ contributions to the world.”

Dr. Krishna Chaturvedi, originally from India, is a postdoctoral research associate with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  Chaturvedi has long considered a career in academia and has always been passionate about engaging students in new and developing pathways. Chaturvedi hopes to start the next phase of her career as an independent researcher with academic responsibilities such as an Assistant Professorship.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to receive this prestigious fellowship and become an Emerging Scholar,” said Chaturvedi. She continued, “In doing so, I have gained the necessary resources to sharpen my professional skills and form a platform to obtain my dream job.”

The University of Mississippi will continue to support the SEC Emerging Scholars Program with its promotion of success for current doctoral students and postdoctoral associates from underrepresented groups working towards becoming future faculty members at an SEC member institution.

Individuals interested in learning more about the SEC Emerging Scholars program at The University of Mississippi, which requires nomination and participation in a competitive selection process, should contact the Graduate School.

 

 

2022 Winter Newsletter

1. 1. Welcome
   2. And the winner is…Meet this Year’s Three Minute Thesis winner and other top performers
   3. Modern languages, health and kinesiology, and English – oh my!
   4. Lights, Camera, Action on the Las Vegas Opera Stage!
   5. Excelling on and off the field/court: 19 Graduate and Professional Student Athletes
   6. NEW SEC Emerging Scholars Program at UM Graduate School
   7. Meet Our 2022 SREB Scholars!
   8. 2022 Advancing STEM Scholarship Recipient 
   9. Introducing the NEW Assistant Dean of Professional Development and Communications
   10. Five Graduate Assistants, One Graduate House
   11. Celebrating Our Postdoctoral Researchers