They have studied education, political science, leadership and English – and soon they will truly be experts.

West Virginia University will honor eight soon-to-be doctoral graduates of the University’s Chancellor’s Scholars program at a Regalement Dinner on April 20. The fourth-annual ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.

The Chancellor’s Scholars program for minority doctoral students provides the funding students need to obtain their doctorates, as well as mentoring, networking and research opportunities.

“The program has been very successful only because of the partnerships that we have developed over the years,” said Jennifer McIntosh, executive office in the President’s Office for Social Justice. “The relationships that we have formed with many academic departments, particularly in Academic Affairs and numerous individuals, have helped provide an environment for these students to be successful.”

McIntosh designed and has administered the program, which is in its 11th year.

The graduates will be recognized by Bruce Berry, advisory commissioner for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Jonathan Cumming and McIntosh.

The keynote speaker will be Chaun Stores, institutional research and reporting specialist at WVU, who received his doctorate in political science in 2005 and is a former Chancellor’s Scholar.

The doctoral candidates are:

• Ras Tsidi Acolatse, of Ghana; he has received his Ed.D. in education and communication.

• Grace A. Adams-Square, of Baldwin, Md.; she is expected to complete her doctorate in political science in August. She is currently an adjunct professor at Towson University and Lock Haven University.

• Grace Atebe, of Kenya; she is expected to graduate with a doctorate in educational leadership studies in May. She is currently assistant director of WVU’s Office of International Students and Scholars.

• Edward Brenya, of Ghana; he is expected to complete his doctorate in political science in August.

• Joyce P. Herold, of Jamaica, NY; she has earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership.

• Felix Kumah-Abiwu, of Ghana; he is working towards a doctorate in political science, and is expected to graduate in December.

• Gabrielle St. Leger, of Hempstead, NY; she plans to complete a doctorate in educational leadership studies in August.

• Sherri Anna Robinson, of Laurel, Md.; plans to receive a doctorate in educational leadership in May.

The WVHEPC helps fund the Chancellor’s Scholars program through a grant given to the WVU President’s Office of Social Justice and Office of Graduate Education and Life.

Since its inception in 2001, the program has graduated more than 30 students from all over the world.

For more information, contact Program Coordinator Constinia Charbonnette in the Office of Graduate Education and Life at 304-293-0173.

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