NSU partners with Arkansas for summer research program

Qualified students at Northeastern State University can now explore research opportunities in preparation for graduate and professional studies thanks to a partnership authorizing their participation in the University of Arkansas' George Washington Carver Research Program.

Dr. Phyllis Fife, director of NSU's Center for Tribal Studies, will facilitate the partnership and work with university deans to aid distribution of information and activities that encourage students to apply. Sedelta Oosahwee, coordinator for student programs at the CTS, will be the student contact.

Fife and NSU Provost Martin Tadlock visited the UA graduate school and met with administrators to sign the agreement on July 6.

"I am a strong advocate for students taking advantage of internship opportunities as they prepare for graduate or professional school, and even in preparation for employment in their field of study," said Fife. "Internships open many doors, provide mentoring, facilitate research experience, generate in-depth study and generally contribute to a well-rounded education. Finding an all-expense-paid internship is rather rare these days, so this is good news for NSU students. The George Washington Carver Research Program should be especially appealing since it levels the playing field for some students who would otherwise not consider applying."

Founded in 1997, the Carver program links UA's graduate school with colleges and universities offering curricula intended for African-American, Hispanic and American Indian students. The program identifies qualified undergraduates to participate in an eight-week summer research experience on the Fayetteville campus. To qualify students must be Native American, African American, or Hispanic, have an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 and have at least 60 credits completed.

The program covers all costs including travel and a stipend and students live on campus. They work with a faculty mentor on a research project during the eight weeks while preparing for admission to graduate or professional school. Participants also enjoy field trips and recreational activities.

Since it is also a route for UA to recruit students into their graduate programs, we agreed that the partnership would focus on potential students interested in master's programs they have which we don't offer, and for doctoral programs, Tadlock said.

Northeastern State University would be our first partner institution serving a large Native American student population and we are very excited about the chance to work with NSU to encourage its students to pursue graduate degrees, said Vicky Hartwell, UA director of graduate fellowships. For more information contact the Center for Tribal Studies at 918-444-4350.