Lincoln students attend Arkansas graduate school conference

  • Posted in All University
  • Category: Campus News

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – For the first time in the conference’s nine-year history, two Lincoln students earned an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Lincoln University at the Attracting Intelligent Minds Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas, hosted by the University of Arkansas Graduate School.  

Junior Tamara Wilson-Ashton, a junior English major from Waldorf, Maryland, and Iyanuoluwa Emiola, a math and physics senior from Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, represented Lincoln at the conference.

The conference provided opportunities for prospective graduate students to learn about the University of Arkansas graduate programs, funding sources, and research opportunities. Attendees participated in professional development activities, toured the campus, and enjoyed social events throughout the weekend.

Conference attendees represented nine historically black colleges and universities, according to conference organizer Alfred Dowe, Arkansas’ graduate recruiter.

"The visiting students represent some of the best scholars and researchers in the country,” Dowe said. “Once they set foot on this campus and meet our students, faculty and staff, they are convinced that Arkansas is a viable option.”

Wilson-Ashton and Emiola earned spots at the conference based on a recommendation from Ralph Simpson, director of Lincoln’s Career Services.

“Both students had completed resume training and had academic interests that matched the needs requested by Mr. Dowe.” Simpson said. “I had a good feeling they would represent the university well, and I knew they were serious about graduate school.”

Simpson said that it is to a student’s advantage to complete resume preparation early in his or her college career. When opportunities such as conferences or trainings become available, the students who get first consideration are those whose resumes are on file in Career Services.

Emiola said since attending the conference he is considering Arkansas for graduate school. He plans to earn a doctorate in the United States, then return to his native Nigeria.

By Shelley Mix. Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas. Tamara Wilson-Ashton is pictured at far left and Iyanuoluwa Emiola at far right.

Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world. Lincoln offers a rigorous liberal arts education to a diverse student body of approximately 2,200 men and women in more than 35 undergraduate and graduate programs.