Futrell Scholars
DEAN MARY
FUTRELL SCHOLARS
| Meet the Scholars | Meet the Mentors |
Cultivating Diversity, Empowering Excellence
The Futrell Scholars Program was created to honor the work of Dr. Mary Futrell, former Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (1995-2010). During her tenure, she championed diversifying graduate student enrollment and progression at GW. Building on her efforts and our commitment to diversity, GSEHD established the Futrell Scholars Program to recruit and retain a diverse group of scholars each year, reduce education costs, and mentor scholars throughout their doctoral programs at GW.
Dr. Mary Futrell
Eligibility
Graduates of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and others, who have been accepted into a GSEHD doctoral program and meet all requirements for the MSI Scholarship are eligible to participate in the Futrell Scholars Program. (Access is based on this determination by admissions and is not restricted to any one program, department, or racial group.)
Program Overview
Having a supportive and understanding community throughout a doctoral program is proven to help students better navigate challenges and establish an academic network for post-graduate careers.
Futrell Scholars will be assigned to a cohort, including 2-3 other scholars, led by volunteer GSEHD faculty and/or professional staff members. The program does not replace the guidance of academic advisors; rather, it extends the support network and advocates for participating students during their tenure at GW.
The Scholars program emphasizes the three Rs - rigor, relevance, and relationships. Our faculty and staff mentors form relationships with the new students, help scholars to think through major issues (rigor), and ensure participants are connecting what they are learning to the world around them (relevance).
Applying for the Program
Doctoral students that are eligible for the MSI Scholarship are automatically invited to participate in the program. To be considered, indicate in your application for admission that you graduated from a MSI and that you are interested in receiving funding.
Learn More
For more information, contact Dr. Doran Gresham, Faculty Director for the Futrell Scholars Program, at dgresham@gwu.edu.
Meet the 2024 Futrell Scholars
Sapreina A. Acree | Baltimore, MD
My faith reminds me that my work is a part of a larger purpose, guiding me to serve others and honor my blessings. I strive to balance my academic pursuits with nurturing meaningful relationships, knowing that my success contributes to the well-being of my loved ones. Ultimately, the vision of creating a legacy of knowledge and spiritual strength for future generations keeps me focused and inspired.
Research Interests: Transformational Leadership in Government
-Shifting from Transactional to Transformational Leadership: Inspiring innovation and change within bureaucratic settings.
-Developing Visionary Leadership for Public Good: Encouraging leaders to think strategically about long-term impact.
Education:
-M.B.A., Morgan State University - Management
-B.S., Morgan State University - Management
Kisha Manning Bilal | Paterson, New Jersey
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today - Malcolm X
Research Interests: Equitable Leadership, Gender and Race Mobility, Executive Leadership and Governance, Career Services, Student Affairs
Education:
-M.A., The George Washington University - Higher Education Administration
-B.A., William Paterson University of New Jersey - Political Science
Kassandra I. Butler, MS, LGPC, NCC | Orlando, FL
The desire to make a positive impact in people's lives can be a powerful motivator. Being a first-generation student, I want to pave the way for others in the community, showing that higher education is attainable and beneficial.
Research Interests: Misdiagnosis and misconceptions in mental health diagnosis amongst marginalized populations.
Education:
- M.S., Johns Hopkins University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- B.S., University of Central Florida - General Psychology Minor in Africana Studies
Amanda Deebrah | New York, NY
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people who have helped me, and I look forward to paying that back and helping others however I can.
Research Interests: Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher retention in New York City Public Schools (NYCPS)
Education:
- M.S., New York Institute of Technology - Instructional Technology
- B.Se.D., CUNY New York City College of Technology - Career and Technology Teacher Education
Tiffany Emanuel-Wright | Warner Robins, GA
My desire is to continuously learn and improve my practice to demonstrate excellence and unrelenting drive to my daughter and two sons. They are definitely my greatest and proudest accomplishment in life!
Research Interests: Culturally responsive school leadership in curriculum & instruction amid current education policy and legislation
Education:
- M.S., Nova Southeastern University - Educational Leadership
- B.A., Howard University - Communications
Tiombe A. Ewing | Bronx, NY
Addressing systemic inequities and ensuring equal opportunities for all students drives my advocacy for trauma-informed practices and inclusive educational environments.
Research Interests: Addressing disparities in access to trauma-informed services, support, and ensuring that all children, regardless of background, can benefit from a more just and equitable educational experience
Education:
- M.Ed., The George Washington University - Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities
- B.S., Centenary College, NJ - Business Administration
- A.S., Essex County College, NJ - Special Education
Patrice Hydara | Queens, NY
My family, kids, and husband. The students I work with. I want them to know they will always have someone in their corner rooting for their growth and success.
Research Interests: Special education inclusion and general education teacher's attitudes and beliefs towards them
Education:
- Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate, George Mason University
- M.S., Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus - Mental Health Counseling
- B.S., University of Maryland Eastern Shore - Special Education
Kimberly Jackson | Holly Springs, MS
I am motivated to be better each day by my faith that this world can be a better place for everyone.
Research Interests: Informal social networks impact on minority career progression and belonging and career network platforms and its influence on minority career progression
Education:
- M.S.A., Trinity University, Washington, D.C. - Human Resources Management
- M.B.A., Trinity University, Washington, D.C. - Business Administration
- B.S., Trinity University, Washington, D.C. - Business Administration
Meet the Faculty & Staff Mentors
Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies
Associate Dean, Office of Student Life; Professor, Educational Technology Leadership
Assistant Professor, Higher Education Administration; Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives