Dr. Terainer Brown

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The Old Dominion University Grad School Ready Summit is just two days away, and I’d love to see you there!

If you’ve been thinking about graduate school, curious about the process, or simply trying to figure out your next steps, this event was designed for you. Come for the full day or just drop in—every part of the Summit is meant to help you gain clarity and confidence.

📅 This Friday, Nov. 21
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Old Dominion University
🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/edWmPtFv

Whether you’re wondering about funding, exploring programs, or wanting to hear real student stories, we’ve curated a meaningful experience to help you move from curious to confident.
I hope you’ll join us, even for an hour, and take a step toward your future.

I talk with so many students and mid-career professionals who want to go to graduate school but aren’t quite sure where to start, what to study, how to fund it, or even what the journey looks like. That’s exactly why we created the ODU Grad School Ready Summit.

This one-day event is designed to demystify the graduate school process and help you connect the dots, from exploring programs and funding to meeting faculty, current graduate students, and mentors who can guide your next steps.

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe graduate school is for me…” — this is your sign to come find out.
🗓️ Friday, November 21 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Old Dominion University
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/edWmPtFv

And if you can’t make it but want to talk about your graduate school goals, send me a message, I’d love to help you get started.

My mentor, my friend, my sister—Dr. Althanie Gardner!!! 🎓

I met this extraordinary woman 20 years ago at Wayne State University, where I had the honor of serving as her intern with Michigan GEAR UP, supporting students across Detroit Public Schools Community District. That experience was my first introduction to college access work—and immediately, it felt like home.

Since then, Dr. Gardner has been a steady and unwavering presence in my life, encouraging my growth, cheering on my journey, and modeling the kind of excellence I aspired to follow. When she decided to return to the academy and pursue her doctorate, I knew it was my time to pour into her the way she had poured into me for so many years.

This year, I had the immense honor of serving on her dissertation committee—and the even greater privilege of returning to my alma mater Wayne State University to process in with the faculty and hood her on stage. A true full-circle moment! ✨

After a year of deep commitment, research, and reflection, we now arrive at this incredible milestone—Dr. Althanie Gardner. What a joy and honor it has been to walk this road with you.

I’m so proud of you, so thankful for our shared journey, and absolutely thrilled to see how your brilliance, compassion, and purpose will shape this world.

🎓 Graduate School Visits Matter!

Whether in-person or virtual, visiting prospective graduate programs is one of the smartest steps a student can take when considering graduate education—especially for research-based degrees.

This month, the closed out their spring visit series with an incredible trip to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. From learning about the application and funding process to touring labs and meeting with professors, our scholars engaged deeply with the academic community.

They also had a chance to connect with current graduate students, explore the Monroe Park campus, and participate in meetings with faculty in their fields of interest—all vital steps to ensure alignment between a student’s goals and a department’s offerings.

I encourage all future grad students to:
✅ Research faculty
✅ Review CVs and publications
✅ Reach out to programs
✅ And take that visit (or virtual tour)!

It’s one thing to read about a program—it’s another to experience it.

Passing the Legacy of Excellence!

The Old Dominion University McNair Scholars gathered for our annual end-of-year ceremony—a heartfelt tradition where we celebrate achievement and community. Seniors were honored with their stoles, honor cords, and National TRIO Alumni pins, marking their transition to the next chapter.

But what made the night even more special was the passing of the “Keys to Success” to the junior class. With love and intention, our graduating scholars handed down six guiding principles:

🔑 Tenacity
🔑 Courage
🔑 Curiosity
🔑 Humility
🔑 Intention
🔑 Rest

This is more than a program—it’s a legacy in motion.

Congratulations to our graduates, and thank you for showing what’s possible.

Let's hear it for ODU's inaugural Research & Creativity Expo!!!

The ODU McNair Scholars brought brilliance, bold ideas, and academic excellence to the inaugural ODU Knowledge & Creativity Expo! 🎓✨

As a member of the planning committee, it was incredible to help shape this campus-wide celebration of research, creativity, and innovation. Our McNair Scholars shined as they presented projects that reflected not only their intellect but also their determination to be change agents in their fields.

Thank you to everyone who supported this amazing event. The future is bright at ODU, and our scholars are leading the way!
🔗 Read more: https://www.odu.edu/article/odu-hosts-inaugural-knowledge-creativity-expo

Virginia McNair Symposium was a blast!

Early April, our ODU McNair Scholars took center stage at the Virginia McNair Scholars Symposium hosted by Hampton University—and they did not disappoint! From compelling research presentations to powerful peer connections, our scholars represented excellence with every word.

This event was more than a showcase—it was a reminder of the brilliance that emerges when first-generation scholars are supported, seen, and celebrated. Thank you to the Hampton University McNair Program and Graduate College for creating such a meaningful space for our scholars to shine.

The future of scholarship looks very bright. ✨

The McNairs: A Night to Remember!

This Spring, The McNairs reminded us what happens when purpose, perseverance, and preparation collide. We had the distinct honor of celebrating the achievements of our ODU McNair Scholars—students who are boldly pursuing graduate education, graduating with distinction, and breaking generational barriers.

Moments like these affirm why the work matters. Thank you to our amazing McNair team, the ODU TRIO community, and university leadership for your continued support. Deep gratitude to Senator Angelia Graves, Councilman Carlos J. Clanton, Deputy City Manager Trista Pope, and NASA’s Mr. Clayton Turner for lending your voices to this unforgettable evening.

Our scholars shine—and we will always show up to spotlight their brilliance. ✨

What a Semester!

✨This Spring has been one for the books! From leading transformational work with McNair Scholars, to expanding impact through Mathnasium, and launching new initiatives in between—it’s been a season full of purpose, progress, and powerful partnerships. Over the next few days, I’m excited to share highlights from a few standout moments that made this semester so unforgettable. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss the momentum we’re building.✨