The document provides an overview of the MATC Scholars Program, which was created in 2010 to encourage underrepresented minority students to pursue graduate studies in STEM fields. The program brings students and faculty together for conferences to discuss challenges in higher education and strategies for transitioning to graduate programs. The first conference in 2010 saw over 20 students and faculty participate in engaging activities. It resulted in a successful networking event and community for underrepresented students. The program aims to address the lack of support for minority students pursuing graduate degrees through workshops on skills and overcoming barriers.

1. Overview of MATC Scholars Program
Dr. Erick C. Jones, PE
&
Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE
MATC Scholars Program
October 3rd – 6th
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2. Outline
•Introduction
•Learning Objectives
•Learning Outcomes
•Session Presentation
•Conclusion

3. Learning Objectives
• Discussion of the history and overview of
the MATC Scholars program

4. Learning Outcomes
• Provide the history, overview, need, and
success of the MATC Scholars program

5. History
• Dr. Stephanie Adams introduced the idea of “an
encouragement and transition conference for
underrepresented groups considering graduate school in
STEM” to Dr. Laurence Rilett as an important theme
for the Mid-American Transportation Center (MATC)
• Dr. Rillet then met with Dr. Jones (at UNL in 2010)
and Dr. Perkins to propose on how this program
could become a reality and benefit students the
most
• The team formed a planning conference in Spring
2010 and brought together an exciting team of
committed faculty
• The first MATC Scholars Conference took place on
September 24-26th, 2010

6. Original Theme and Purpose
• In the past, there has not been adequate
consideration of the difficulties that minorities,
and often first generation students encounter in
their pursuit of higher education. But with this
undertaking, we hope to work toward addressing
that issue.
• We have taken great care to select faculty
participants who have experienced the challenges
of pursuing graduate studies at doctoral/research
universities that engaged in extensive research
activities and have the desire to work with
diverse, underrepresented minority students who
are interested in pursuing graduate school.

7. MATC Scholar’s Program Goals
• Promote science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) higher education
opportunities to students from underrepresented
groups (e.g., underrepresented minorities and
women)
• Encourage underrepresented students to pursue
graduate studies in STEM at doctoral/research
extensive universities.

8. 2010 Results
• Over 20 students and faculty participated and were
engaged in the conference activities. Strong
participation from STEM faculty from Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving
Institutions (MSIs) led to key strategies and useful
information on how to overcome challenges faced by
underrepresented students pursuing graduate studies
at doctoral/research extensive universities;
• A successful conference for underrepresented students
enrolled in the STEM disciplines at HBCUs and MSIs
who were exposed to skills for successfully
transitioning into graduate school as well as
enhancing their performance at doctoral/research
extensive universities;

9. 2010 Results
• Networking activities and a diverse STEM support
community was created
• The program was renewed for 2012

10. Original Faculty Participants (2010)
Educating
Listening
Facilitating
Networks

11. Original Faculty Participants (2010)
• Dr. Erick C. Jones, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Dr. Judy A. Perkins, Prairie View A&M University
• Dr. Ella L. Kelley, Southern University
• Dr. Ibibia K. Dabipi, University of Maryland-Eastern
Shore
• Dr. Edgar R. Blevins, Southern University
• Dr. Deo Chimba, Tennessee State University

12. Original Faculty & Student Participants (2010)
Overcoming Challenges
Skills for Successful Transition
Networking

13. Expectations for 2012 Scholars Conference
• 2012 is your year
• Your part
• Pay attention
• Ask questions
• Network
• Provide feedback
• Stay in touch
• Have Fun –
• Not too much

14. Conclusion
• Thank you for accepting the invitation
to participate in this worthy venture
• I believe we can make a difference

15. CREDITS
Dr. Judy A. Perkins, P.E. Dr. Erick C. Jones, P.E., CSSBB
Professor Associate Professor
Prairie View A&M University University of Texas Arlington
Department of Industrial and
Civil & Environmental
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Engineering Department
Arlington, TX 76017
Prairie View, Texas 77446
(817) 272-7592,
936-261-1665
ecjones@uta.edu
juperkins@pvamu.edu
Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.