海角社区

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Nov. 4, 2024) 鈥� The fourth monthly meeting of 海角社区鈥檚 Women and Allies in STEM brought together men and women to inspire them as future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The group was founded to foster a supportive network for FHU鈥檚 growing number of female STEM majors and allies, providing mentorship, practical insights and a shared sense of purpose.

Junior Elizabeth McKeeby, who is pursuing both her BBA and MBA in accounting and business administration, has found the meetings invaluable. 鈥淭he first session hosted a panel of senior interns, and we were able to hear about their experiences,鈥� she explained. 鈥淣ow, we are hearing from professionals in the field, which offers a valuable contrast. Their graduate school journeys started earlier, so it鈥檚 insightful to learn what鈥檚 changed, what鈥檚 better and what鈥檚 more challenging.鈥�

The October session featured guest speakers Dr. Meagan Spencer, Doctor of Education in organizational leadership and Master of Science in speech-language pathology; Timberly Singleton, Master of Science in mathematics; and Lisa Raine, Master of Computer Science (2025) and group founder. Together, they shared stories from their careers, highlighting the rewards and realities of pursuing advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields.

鈥淚 created the FHU Women and Allies in STEM group to achieve two main goals,鈥� Raine explained. 鈥淔irst, to connect our female STEM majors with each other and with professionals who can help guide them. Second, to build an inclusive space where all students鈥攔egardless of gender, race or background鈥攆eel supported and connected with like-minded peers.鈥�

As part of the meeting, the speakers provided practical advice on essential graduate program prerequisites, such as the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and specific essays. 鈥淒ifferent schools have different requirements,鈥� Raine said, 鈥渁nd some have even dropped GRE requirements since COVID, which is important to know early on.鈥�

Sharing her own experience as a graduate student in mathematics, Singleton emphasized the value of hard work and teamwork. 鈥淢y week-to-week was spent in the grad office from morning until well past dark,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淚 was with my cohort, and we鈥檇 make weekly task lists together. It was a rigorous schedule of work and study, but we stayed motivated by supporting each other.鈥�

Encouraging students to persevere, Spencer shared a story of resilience. 鈥淚 applied to five schools and didn鈥檛 get accepted to any of them initially,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was working as a barista when I got a call from Harding, one of the schools that had rejected me. You just never know who might support you or where your journey will take you.鈥�

海角社区鈥檚 mission is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.