The Myers-LeCroy Scholars Program is about more than covering tuition and fees. It’s about providing mentorship that has an even greater impact on the scholars when their educational journey is complete.
Just ask Dr. Tonychris Nnaka. He’s a former Myers-LeCroy scholar who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health and a doctorate from the University of Texas.
Nnaka, along with a current Myers-LeCroy scholar Remington Skye McCarty, both shared the benefits of the scholarship at the college’s board of trustees meeting in August.
“Everyone talks about the financial element, and it was huge,” Nnaka said. “But what really changed my life was the mentorship. When I interviewed for Myers-Lecroy, I connected instantly with the interviewers, including Mr. Myers and Jan LeCroy. That connection turned into more of a fatherly figure relationship with Mike Myers.
“I got to where I am today because of the doors he opened for me. I often tell people that mentorship goes both ways. He opened doors, I walked through them, and made sure to maintain the opportunities.”
Nnaka is now an associate dean for research in the HSC College of Nursing. He was also honored as one of Dallas College’s distinguished alumni in 2023.
The impact that the mentorship through the Myers-LeCroy Scholars Program has on students is just as strong today as it was for Nnaka. Myers remains an integral part of the program as well as Dr. Nancy LeCroy, the wife of the late Dr. Jan LeCroy, who passed away in 2013.
For McCarty, the mentorship aspect has been an enjoyable experience with the sessions ranging from one-on-one to small group meetings.
“Everything I’ve learned has been a new world for me,” said McCarty, who earned her associate degree from Dallas College this year and is continuing on in the college’s bachelor’s of education program.
“For instance, we recently had an etiquette dinner where we learned how to conduct a business meeting, what’s important, and how to connect with people quickly. Mr. Myers is a people person — he makes friends immediately and remembers details about people. He remembers things about me that I’ve only mentioned once, which makes you feel important. That’s a quality I want to learn. I’ve started to since beginning this mentorship program.
“Talking to Dr. LeCroy about my family, my goals, and hearing about her life, I saw how much things have changed in schools, especially for women. There are things that have completely changed from her time in school to mine. That was really cool to see.”
The presentations by Nnaka and McCarty painted a full picture of the positive impact this scholarship has on former and current students. It’s just another aspect that separates Dallas College from other higher education institutions.
“I had no clue what to expect from community college, but the amount of resources they provide to students for free has shocked me,” said McCarty, who played on the Brookhaven Campus volleyball team. “It’s such a close-knit community. I know that if I ask anyone who works on campus for help, they want to help me as an individual, not just as another number. That means a lot to me, coming from a very small school.
“Scholarship opportunities are just as present, if not more, than at a large-scale campus. They dedicate each dollar of your tuition to giving back to you. It’s an environment designed to help each student succeed, truly.”
SkillsUSA Competitors Recognized
Students who competed in this year’s SkillsUSA Competition were also recognized by the board of trustees.
Dallas College brought home six medals, including two golds, two silvers and two bronze.
Stephanie Gutierrez, a Dallas College culinary arts student who competed in SkillsUSA, raved about her experience.
“This organization teaches us how to advance the skills we’re passionate about while cheering others on,” she said. “I got to be on stage in front of 16,000 people. It was surreal.”
