Welcome! We are glad that you are interested in learning more about the McNair Scholars Program at Lee University. Please review the tabs below for a program summary and to see if you are eligible to become a McNair scholar. We hope you will consider becoming part of the next McNair academic cohort.
Program Design
The Lee McNair Scholars Program is designed to:
- Support talented, highly motivated scholars as they strive to achieve their educational goals
- Provide scholars with a foundation for graduate school success through seminars, workshops, campus visits, research experience, and academic conferences
- Create academic, financial, cultural, and social support for scholars to contribute scholarship within their academic discipline
- Cultivate an interdisciplinary community of like-minded scholars within a cohort-based model
Qualifications
Undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply to the Lee McNair Scholars Program:
- Either a first-generation college student with a maximum income level established by the U.S. Department of Education OR a member of an underrepresented group in graduate education (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, Native American, or Alaska/Hawaii Native)
- Must have completed 60 credit hours by summer prior to joining the program
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Full-time student at Lee University
- Maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above
Commitments
- Engage in research. All Scholars conduct research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. By completing quality research projects, students receive a realistic picture of graduate school scholarship, while learning the skills needed to succeed in doctoral programs.
- Develop and deliver professional research presentations. McNair Scholars present their research at selected research symposia. In addition, students have the opportunity to travel to professional conferences and to network with faculty and graduate students through membership in professional organizations.
- Enroll in Fall McNair Research Course. Scholars enroll in a research methods course to refine their academic skills within an interdisciplinary emphasis. In addition, scholars will attend workshops and seminars focused on topics related to the graduate school application process, including how to identify graduate programs that "fit" their needs and interests, securing financial assistance, preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and how to navigate graduate school.
Benefits
McNair stipend. Scholars receive an educational incentive up to $2,800.00 per year, along with room and board during the McNair Summer Institute. Scholars will also receive up to $1,500.00 for research materials and supplies.- Mentoring. Each student selects a faculty mentor in their academic discipline who provides guidance throughout the undergraduate research process and advice during the graduate school application process. Mentors serve as role models and are an essential resource for their McNair Scholar.
- Academic development. Individual academic counseling from program staff and a faculty mentor enables students to maximize their undergraduate program experience and to prepare for graduate study.
- Supportive scholarly, social, and cultural environment. Scholars engage with others through a shared course, monthly seminars, group events, and various cultural excursions.
- Funding for graduate school campus visits and conferences. Scholars may receive funding to travel to meet with graduate faculty and to learn more about the department and institution in order to make their final graduate school decision. In addition, scholars will receive funding to attend regional and/or national conferences to present research findings and to network with fellow McNair scholars around the country.
McNair stipend. Scholars receive an educational incentive up to $2,800.00 per year, along with room and board during the McNair Summer Institute. Scholars will also receive up to $1,500.00 for research materials and supplies.
McNair Academic Journal
Recommendation Form