Keeping our Community Informed
North Carolina Central University: A Legacy of Purpose Book Celebration
Thank you to everyone who joined us at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, this past weekend for our A Legacy of Purpose book celebration and graduate fair. Your presence, engagement, and support made these gatherings truly meaningful.
A sincere thank you to our distinguished speakers for their thoughtful and inspiring remarks:
- Dr. Karen Jackson-Weaver, External Advisory Board Member, The Leadership Alliance;
- Dr. Lorna Grant, Professor & Chair, Graduate and Undergraduate Research Symposium, NCCU;
- Dr. Jim C. Harper II, Interim Associate Provost & Dean, Graduate Studies, NCCU;
- Dr. Karen Keaton Jackson, Interim Associate Provost for Academic Programs, Leadership Alliance Institutional Coordinator, NCCU;
- Dr. Antonio Baines, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Leadership Alliance Summer Coordinator, NCCU;
- Mykenzi Davis-Cowart, SR-EIP 2025, Caltech, Biomedical Sciences major, NCCU;
- Makayla Stewart, SR-EIP 2026, Yale, Psychology major, NCCU;
- Dr. Gina Astorini, Associate Director, The Leadership Alliance;
- Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President Emeritus, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, for highlighting how The Leadership Alliance is making a difference in today's research climate.
A special thank you to North Carolina Central University for hosting us at their successful Graduate School Fair, and to our partners Dr. Karen Keaton Jackson, Dr. Antonio Baines, Dr. Jim Harper, and their incredible team, who helped make the event a great success!
Watch the video below to see the momentum and success of these events!
Book Celebration Continues
We are coming together for a special celebration of literature, legacy, and community. Whether you are in New Orleans or Atlanta, join us for a joint celebration. Save the dates and grab your spot at one (or both!) of these stops:
Stop 1: XULA/Dillard
Join us where it all began for an evening of readings, signings, and HBCU excellence.
- When: April 15 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: University Center, Xavier University of Louisiana
- Register Here Link
Stop 2: The ATL Takeover
Atlanta, we’re bringing the celebration to you! Connect with local alumni and friends for this special tour stop.
- When: April 20, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: Martin Luther King International Chapel, Morehouse College Campus
- Register Here Link
Interested in Summer Research Opportunities? Curious about Research Careers?
Join the Undergraduate Research Office and the Leadership Alliance for “What Is Research?”. This interactive workshop introduces participants to the foundational principles and practices of research.
What Is Research? Tuesday, April 28th 4:00 - 5:00 pm Brown University, 85 Waterman Street, Room 130
Participants will also receive information on how to apply for paid summer 2027 research opportunities at universities across the country, including through the Leadership Alliance Summer Research - Early Identification Program. Students from all disciplines are welcome.
The 2026 Virtual Professional Development Series is Coming Soon!
This summer’s VPD series will run from June 1 to July 17, 2026. This free program is open to all students who are interested in research. Registration will open on Monday, April 27. The registration link and syllabus will be posted to the TLA VPD website. Please encourage your SR-EIP and FYRE students to participate! Jane will be emailing them the registration link in early May. Coordinators can make VPD mandatory for their SR-EIP cohorts. Monday VPD sessions feature: Conversations with a Doctoral Scholar and Wednesday Workshops focus on research-related topics and professional skills that prepare students for research experiences and graduate school. These sessions are live from 4 to 5 pm Eastern. Students who complete program requirements will earn a Credly Digital Badge/Certificate of Completion. Virtual graduate school recruitment sessions will be held on Thursdays (3 - 4 pm & 4 pm Eastern) and Fridays (2 - 3 pm & 3 - 4 pm Eastern). Please email Dr. Jane Indorf (jane_indorf@brown.edu) with any questions.
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence
We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence for her unwavering dedication and transformative leadership. Her commitment to the Leadership Alliance has shaped a lasting legacy of excellence, mentorship, and community. We are profoundly grateful for the years she has spent championing our mission and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Take a moment to join us in celebrating Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence’s extraordinary journey with this special tribute video.
Brown University Hosts Dr. Samuel M. Nabrit Conference for Early Career Scholars
The 2026 Dr. Samuel M. Nabrit Conference for Early Career Scholars (June 5) is open to all and will showcase the research achievements of outstanding molecular life scientists who have worked to advance the role of historically underrepresented groups in science and medicine. The conference is free and in person, hosted by the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Department at Brown University.
Amazon Review Reminder
✍️ Share Your Thoughts on A Legacy of Purpose
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🎥 Explore Our YouTube Channel for Professional Development Resources!
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