Success Story

During the past 20 years, Spelman College—a historically black liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia—has become one of the nation’s leading institutions for preparing African-American women to successfully complete graduate degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM). Approximately one-third of the undergraduates at Spelman currently major in SEM fields.

As recently as the early 1970s, only one student had ever earned a Ph.D. in chemistry, and only 10 percent majored in the sciences. These numbers started to change with faculty-driven initiatives to improve the science program at Spelman. BY 1977, the college established a chemistry department to offer the first two years of chemistry courses and biochemistry. A full-fledged chemistry department was then established in 1990. As a result, the enrollment of SEM students jumped to 36 percent and has been steady ever since. Spelman faculty also started writing grants in the early 1980s to emphasize how important research is to the college. According to Albert Thompson, professor of chemistry and principal investigator for the NASA-funded program Model Institutions for Excellence, the grants and the early exposure of students to research in the laboratory as well as in the classroom is a reason why so many students are choosing to purse graduate studies.

Sylvia Bozeman, professor of mathematics who has taught at Spelman for almost 30 years, said that back in the 1970s the faculty made a commitment to expose women to science and math careers. "We started with programs such as our summer support program for pre-freshmen, and from there it just began to build. Faculty commitment to extended hours in assisting, counseling, and academic advising is also a large part of student success at Spelman. The institution supported the increased emphasis on science and mathematics, too," she points out. "The college built a new state-of-the-art science center which opened in August 2000. That shows a real commitment by the Board of Trustees and the college administration."

Thompson said, "Since the early 1980s, Spelman has graduated approximately 35 students who have gone on to earn their Ph.D. in chemistry. Another three students earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and in very closely related fields such as materials science and toxicology." He also explained that in May 2004 the college graduated 464 students—126 of whom were SEM majors. Of these, 15 were chemistry and biochemistry majors or were graduating with a dual degree in chemistry and chemical engineering.

Thompson further noted that in a recent 5-year survey of historically black colleges and universities, Spelman was among the top schools for graduating students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry, despite the fact that Spelman is one of the smallest schools in this group. The program remains strong, as college enrollment for the 2004-2005 school year is projected to be more than 2,000 with about 180 of 550 freshmen coming in as SEM majors.

Little recruiting is required for the SEM programs at Spelman because of the school’s reputation for a strong program in these subject areas. A large number of students come in thinking about SEM, while others decide to major in one of the sciences during their freshman year.

The Pre-Freshman Summer Science Program helps science majors transition from high school to college by providing academic and career development skills. Three separate bridge programs are offered: one for students interested in health professional careers; one for students interested in sciences, engineering, and mathematics, with a focus on graduate school; and another that offers support for students between their freshmen and sophomore years.

There are several other ongoing programs that help to keep students interested in their studies. The Academic Success Office supports students, and professors coordinate review sessions, weekly seminars, mentoring activities, and special programs for students. Spelman also offers a work-study program and a SEM tutorial program. The Freshman Success Program—an early warning system for students struggling with academics—further enhances a student’s ability to succeed. Finally, there are student research projects that begin as early as sophomore year.

Recognition is also an important part of retention. Every year students are recognized for their research accomplishments at the Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Day—now a college-wide activity renamed Research Day. Additionally, about 90 students receive scholarships through NASA-funded Women in Science and Engineering Program and other sources.

Role models are powerful catalysts for motivating students to higher achievement. At Spelman, faculty members serve as effective role models. There is a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and mentoring programs to connect students to faculty. Several programs pair students with faculty in small groups so students have more one-on-one contact with faculty. Scholarship support is also provided to students interested in attending scientific conference and seminars. In addition, scientists, engineers, and related professionals—including graduates of the department—are invited to campus to speak to the students about their careers. These programs have proven extremely important in directing students toward graduate school. A number of offices also provide services to students related to career guidance decisions, including the Office of Science, Engineering, and Technical Careers and the Office of Graduate Relations.

Spelman tracks the success of its program by looking at the number of students who complete degrees in SEM and who go on to earn graduate degrees in these areas. Also, independent study efforts by faculty with students are recognized in the teaching and service components of faculty evaluations.