As the TCU class of 2022 gears up for its spring commencement ceremony May 7, five TCU ‘firsts’ are preparing to cross the stage. The original cohort of STEM Scholars are receiving their degrees. 

Kynnedy Brown, Griffin McPherson, Jasmine Paz, Kayla Thomas and Devieonte Warren achieved all that the program is designed to accomplish. In addition to 100 percent retention, their average GPA is 3.4.

The STEM Scholar program is one of TCU’s most ambitious, providing full four-year scholarships, academic support and leadership development. It’s highly competitive and offered to the most accomplished, talented, underrepresented students in North Central Texas who plan to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).

In addition to the many lessons college has to offer, STEM scholars are often taking some of the most challenging courses in the undergraduate catalog. And, as it turns out, the lessons of this program go both ways, with TCU gaining as much if not more from these students.

“The STEM Scholar program brings together a group of talented students who excel in the sciences and engineering and who want to study at TCU. That’s the easy part of it,” Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. said. “But the true benefit is that we are able to recruit some of the top students in the country and help diversify and enrich our campus. When these students arrive, they think they’re getting so much from us, but, really, we are so fortunate to have them as part of our community.”

Boschini said it is a great partnership for all.

“Professors love to have our bright and inquisitive students in their classroom because they ask questions and participate in the learning process,” he said. “Professors take as much from the classroom interaction as they give to it.”

Launched in 2018, TCU’s STEM Scholar program seeks to increase the number of talented students from underrepresented populations who pursue degrees in STEM fields, along with supporting the nation’s goal of diversifying the STEM workforce.

“It has been a blessing to create this program here at TCU and to work with such amazing students,” said Zoranna Jones, director of the STEM Scholar Program and assistant dean for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. “They are leaders, innovators and overall brilliant people who have made an impact inside and outside the classroom and definitely on the TCU campus. This is truly an inspiring program in STEM.”

Jones initially presented the concept to the chancellor.

“We are so grateful to her for her vision and for making this happen,” Boschini said.

All five students – whose majors range from neuroscience to business information systems – have offers for jobs or have been accepted to graduate school.

“They’re shining examples of what TCU students can accomplish,” Boschini said. “I have no doubt that they will be great representatives and ambassadors for TCU for the rest of their lives.”

The award-winning program is now a permanent scholarship offering that currently features 27 scholars. In addition to tuition, this academic scholarship program provides academic support like summer enrichment, leadership development, academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, study abroad programs, research opportunities and more.

“Four years ago, these five students joined us on this adventure to start and launch a brand new scholarship program,” Jones said. “I am truly impressed with their intelligence, work ethic and commitment to the greater good. For years to come, students who are pursuing STEM will find them an inspiration and motivation.”

Kynnedy Brown

MansfieldNeuroscience

• Studied abroad in Panama
• Started a wellness program for minority college women to promote healthy eating and exercise
• Planning to pursue medical school

Griffin McPherson

FriscoComputer Science

• Graduating with a 4.0
• Studied abroad with the Honors Cultural Roots program
• Plans to work for Salesforce upon graduation

Jasmine Paz

CrowleyEngineering – Mechanical Emphasis

• First-generation college student
• Interned for GE
• Plans to work for Bell Helicopter upon graduation

Kayla Thomas

Fort WorthBiology and Child Development

• Graduating with honors
• Studied abroad in Rwanda
• Started a high school mentoring program for women of color pursuing degrees in STEM
• Planning to pursue medical school

Devieonte Warren

DallasBusiness Information Systems

• First-generation college student
• Studied abroad in South Africa and Italy
• Plans to attend graduate school