Underepresentation of African Americans (AA), females, and first generation college students in the chemical sciences is a major concern of the nation as we forge forward to diversify the workforce.  Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play an important role in educating these students.  At Jackson State University, one of the few HBCUs designated by the Carnegie Foundation as �Research Universities with High Research Activity�, its chemistry department has the nurturing environment, scientific accomplishments, and rich experiences to recruit, nurture, and graduate AA students on BS, MS, and PhD levels.  With the support of the faculty and the administration, the Department of Chemistry at JSU embarked on this journey with the following initiatives: 1). Address societal apprehension about chemistry from our students; 2). Modify  curricula to suit the needs and goals of the current generation; 3). Remove financial barriers to quality chemical education; 4). Establish Individualized training; 5). Create opportunities designed to make student and faculty partners in their education; 6). Develop relationships with the community, including high schools and community colleges. These efforts helped to triple the chemistry enrollment on all three levels: BS, MS, and PhD, and advanced the Department to become the top chemistry program in the country for producing AA graduates on all three levels.

Recruit, nurture, and graduate underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students

248th National Meeting (2014)

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