Math Aptitude Leads Student to Scholarships and Electrical Engineering Degree

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Senior Dexter McRae, Hampton native, anticipates working in local industry.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When Dexter McRae of Hampton graduates from the University of Arkansas on Saturday he can claim his third graduation ceremony in less than 5 years: McRae holds two high school diplomas, one from the Arkansas School for Math, Science and the Arts, a residential high school in Hot Springs, where he graduated as a senior in 2010, and an honorarium diploma from Hampton High School, where he attended until his sophomore year.

McRae wasn't always good at mathematics. In grade school he struggled with the subject and it wasn't until an uncle tutored him later in algebra that McRae said things finally clicked. McRae was accepted to state mathematics, science and arts school, where he says the coursework while difficult, also made him realize mathematics could be applied to solve every day, concrete problems. 

McRae was encouraged to attend college by his mother and grandfather and decided on the U of A when he was offered a Silas Hunt scholarship and accepted into the Engineering Career Awareness Program. The Silas Hunt Scholarship is offered to high performing incoming freshman from underrepresented groups. The Engineering Career Awareness Program is designed to recruit students who are underrepresented in the field of engineering, and to give these students the support they need to feel comfortable, confident and ready to succeed.

McRae also received the Tyson Inclusive Excellence Scholarship, a scholarship awarded to upperclassmen earning degrees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and who were from communities where Tyson has a presence. McRae participated in the Academic Enrichment Program coordinated through the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. The program is required for all Tyson Inclusive Excellent Scholarship recipients, and McRae says the academic support and his opportunities at the center has contributed to his success.

"I met Leslie Yingling my sophomore year in college and when I was hired as an ACT Academy mentor," says McRae. The ACT Academy is a summer residential program to improve ACT scores and offer an introduction to college that targets Arkansas high school students in underserved populations and communities. "It was a unique experience that gave me skills outside of my degree," he said, and inspired McRae to find other opportunities through the center, where Yingling now serves as director.

 "I have worked as a Student Ambassador at the center for the past two years. The center staff really care for their students and I have met a lot of different people working here. It's a great place to study and hang out."

McRae's plans after graduation are to earn his professional engineering license, work for local industries and eventually start his own independent business. He considers returning to the U of A at some point to earn an Master of Business Administration or an operations management degree.

In addition to his course work, McRae was a member of National Society of Black Engineers and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.