Purpose
The Holmes Scholars Program enhances the scholarly experience and professional training of talented men and women of color and persons with disability who are underrepresented in leadership positions in universities and professional development schools. The program serves to mentor and support underrepresented individuals in higher education. The challenge before us is that there is not enough diversity in higher education. The Holmes Scholars Program recognizes and addresses this challenge by having the distinct goal of facilitating increased diversity and retention of women and men of color in higher education leadership roles.
The Auburn University program of scholars is symbolized using the butterfly. The butterfly develops through a process called metamorphosis. Just as the butterfly has stages of development, the Holmes Scholars Program aids in the development of scholars from diverse backgrounds. Scholars must obtain as much knowledge and experience as possible in order to make the transition from knowing to applying what is, was, and is to be learned. Scholars are then, upon graduation, able to soar and disperse knowledge and aid in the continuation of scholar development by mentoring others.
How was the Holmes Scholars Program Established?
The Holmes Scholars Program is under the umbrella of The Holmes Partnership, which is "a network of universities, schools, community agencies and national professional organizations working in partnership to create high quality professional development and significant school renewal to improve teaching and learning for all children" (www.holmespartnership.org
). The organization has six goals: (1) High Quality Professional Preparation, (2), Simultaneous Renewal, (3) Equality, Diversity, and Cultural Competence, (4) Scholarly Inquiry and Programs of Research, (5) School and University-Based Faculty Development, and (6) Policy Initiation.
The Holmes Scholars Program was established in 1991 and is comprised of a select group of graduate students enrolled at The Holmes Partnership institutions who are preparing for careers in the education professorate and in professional development schools. "More than 400 students have participated in the network and nearly 100 are currently in tenure-track positions at colleges and universities around the country" (www.holmes-scholars.org
).
On June 1, 2001, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and the George Washington University's Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) jointly assumed the management and coordination of the Holmes Scholars Program. Dr. Ira K. Thomas and Alicia Ardila-Rey of AACTE co-direct the Scholars program. At GSEHD, Dr. Maxine Freund, in collaboration with staff members of Dean Mary Hatwood Futrell's office, supports the Scholars Program" (www.holmes-scholars.org
).
The Holmes Scholars Program at Auburn University
Many thanks and apprecation to our Class of 2001-2002 Holmes Scholars identified below. These Scholars developed the new framework and criteria for the AuburnUniversity Holmes Scholars Program.
Tockie V. Smith, Scholar (2002) Catherliene C. Williamson, Scholar (2001)
Graduate Teaching Assistant Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant
Rehabilitation and Special Education Rehabilitation and Special Education
1228 Haley Center 1228 Haley Center
Auburn University, AL36849 Auburn University, AL36849
Monica R. Tate, Scholar (2001) Caroline R. Simpson, Scholar (2001)
Graduate Research Assistant Graduate Teaching Assistant
Counselor Education Counseling Psychology
2084 Haley Center 2084 Haley Center
Auburn University, AL36849 Auburn University, AL36849-5218
The College of Education is committed to preparing and graduating competent, committed, reflective professionals.
