For the first time, CHC has hired a director of the Tichenor-Greer Scholars Program to manage its rapid growth, mentor the participants and provide them with academic resources.

Established by Carl and Patricia T. Greer ’62 in 2014, the Tichenor-Greer Program provides annual awards of $5,000 to students who choose to major in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Preference is given to students of color. The program has grown to fund 41 students from an initial group of five and because of this growth, the Greers offered to fund a full-time position.

Jody Markley, the program’s director, is well-prepared for her work with these students as they navigate their college years and the rigorous demands of the courses required of a STEM major. Markley will recruit, mentor and provide academic enrichment opportunities for the participants throughout their college career.

Her master’s degree in education and experience working with STEM students, especially the Penn State summer research program she ran, set her apart.

“STEM fields are challenging, especially for those students who might be the first in their family to go to college, and STEM students feel a real pressure to succeed,” says Markley. “Helping them navigate those challenges and advocating for them when they come up against those obstacles is important to me.”

“It’s important that there is an advocate and bridge-builder for these students so they are exposed to all the various opportunities available to them and can return to their communities and inspire the next generation of STEM students.”

— Brenda Lange