Muhammad Recognized for Outstanding Commitment to Higher Education
A student success professional at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been recognized for outstanding dedication in promoting educational opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Ashia Muhammad, director of the McNair Scholars Program at UA Little Rock, received the Thomas E. Patterson Education Award during the King Kennedy Awards Ceremony held Feb. 17.
“I was shocked to receive this award,” Muhammad said. “I do the work that I do because I enjoy it, but it feels great to be in a position where you are recognized for your work and recognized with other educators.”
The King Kennedy Awards, sponsored by the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus, were established in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the state of Arkansas. The Thomas E. Patterson Educational Award is presented to an individual who fights for equality of educational opportunity for students and education employees of color and those who are poor.
“Dr. Muhammad is a needed vanguard of unyielding student advocacy to frame earning a doctorate as an achievable goal,” said Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This award speaks to that fierce advocacy.”
UA Little Rock has hosted the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program since 1991. The objective of the program is to provide educational experiences that will prepare first-generation and low-income or historically underrepresented undergraduates for doctoral study.
UA Little Rock supports 26 McNair Scholars every year. Scholars are assigned a faculty mentor and complete a summer research internship where they complete an original research project. Scholars also participate in workshops and activities that will prepare them for graduating school, including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation, tutoring, academic counseling, graduate school visits, financial aid counseling, assistance with securing financial support for graduate school, and advising on how to apply for and successfully complete graduate school.
Muhammad is celebrating her 10-year anniversary at UA Little Rock. She joined the university in 2014 as assistant director of the McNair Scholars Program and has served as director since 2018.
“I constantly say that I am the students I serve,” Muhammad said. “I started my college journey as a first-generation, low-income student, so I understand some of the nuances that go with trying to figure out the journey of higher education from undergrad and then moving forward to advanced degrees. Some of these students might not have seen people like them go on to get graduate degrees. I’ve enjoyed watching them realize that graduate school is accessible, apply to graduate programs, and receive acceptances and funding opportunities. Watching them realize how higher education can transform their lives has been an amazing journey to be a part of.”
