December 6, 2023
Doctoral students attend UCEA conference as Jackson Scholars
Kelly Berry and Brandon Cheeks, two College of Education doctoral students pursuing degrees in educational leadership, were selected as 2023-2025 Jackson Scholars by the University Council for Educational Administration, or UCEA.
Named for Barbara Loomis Jackson, the Jackson Scholars Network is a two-year program designed to build a robust pipeline of graduate students of color who plan to work in the field of educational leadership in K-12 or higher education. The scholars' program provides formal networking, mentoring and professional development during numerous events, including the annual UCEA convention.
The students' host institution is expected to support the students financially in attending the UCEA and American Educational Research Association conferences during the two-year program. Berry and Cheeks both attended the UCEA conference Nov. 16-19 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"The college is proud to support the professional development of these outstanding graduate students both inside and beyond the university classroom," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education.
Royce Ann Collins, professor and chair of the department of educational leadership, said the program's impact is already evident.
"After one session with the Jackson Scholar Network, these doctoral students were even more motivated and energized about their futures," said Collins. "Once again, just as with previous doctoral students in the Jackson Scholar program, we've witnessed the impact it has made, and we are so proud to support these deserving scholars on their journeys."
Cheeks said being nominated by K-State for the scholars' program and then being supported by the university to participate has fueled his passion for making a difference in students' lives.
"Many people don't understand the importance of offering support and opportunities for people of color that wouldn't happen at this level without an intentionality," Cheeks said. "Being in this environment gave me hope and empowered me to become a bigger advocate for social justice and positive change concerning diversity. I will forever cherish the fact that Kansas State University nominated me to attend a two-year program for graduate students of color."
Berry said the welcoming sense of family at the UCEA conference and its affirming atmosphere has already opened doors for long-lasting professional relationships.
"I genuinely enjoyed having the opportunities to sit in conference with other graduate students of color and just listen to each other's stories, our journeys, our wins, and losses," said Berry. "What was great about meeting the Jackson Scholar cohort is that I know I will have friends and colleagues the rest of my life, especially scholars of color who I will be able to collaborate with and ask for advice on teaching, research, and publications. I have already had discussions with a few Jackson Scholars about future collaborations on projects where we intersect."