Durham Tech launches new Men of Color Scholars Institute program

Durham Technical Community College has launched the Men of Color Scholars Institute (MCSI), a new program that strives to empower all members to achieve their educational, career, and personal objectives through mentorship and exposure to academic, social and career/professional opportunities. 

Men of Color Scholars Institute provides the opportunity for Durham Tech students to join a program that fosters leadership, nurtures professional and personal development, and is a support network for its members. 

Dr. Keyma Clark, Director of Students of Color Success, and Blake Williams, Academic Advisor and Instructor of College Success have spearheaded the initiative with a focus on improving student success for Black and Latinx male students. 

“The creation of Men of Color Scholars Institute has truly been a rewarding experience. I am excited that Durham Tech has realized the importance of a program such as MCSI and all that it can do for supporting our students of color. I’m eager to work with the entire Durham Tech community so that we can all promote the success of our men of color,” said Williams. 

MCSI has an open-door approach and is open to current and prospective Durham Tech students.  

The program is now seeking to recruit members. Students may refer themselves or faculty, staff, businesses, and individuals in the community may refer members as well. MCSI plans to recruit at the College, local housing centers, high schools, connect sessions, and in the community.  

“We are pushing for a one-college model success. We are here because of statistics and results. We want faculty and staff to talk to men of color about the program, refer students and we need full campus support to be successful,” said Clark.  

Members will move on to the boarding process after recruitment. Mentors will learn more about the members and their expectations, goals, or needs. This process will help to build the mentee experience and help students get to where they need or want to be. The mentorship will last until students graduate. Clark and Williams hope that after students graduate, they will come back to become mentors.

Eleven Durham Tech faculty and staff members founded MCSI, including: 

• Gregory Bellamy, Dean of College and Career Readiness 
• Dr. Keyma Clark, Director, Students of Color Success Instructional Equity & Inclusion 
• Abraham Dones, Assistant Dean, Registrar, Admissions, Registrant, Records 
• Andrei George, Associate Director Human Resources 
• Lancelot Gooden, Dean, Building and Skilled Trades 
• Tevin Jones, College Liaison College Recruitment & Hight School Partners 
• Dr. Gregory Nash, Instructor Business Administrations Program 
• Daryl Rogers, Specialist, Data & Application & Processing 
• Dr. Kambiz Tahmaseb, Chair and Instructor Sciences 
• Darius Whitney, College Liaison Grant-Funded College Recruitment & High School Partners 
• Blake Williams, Academic Advisor and Instructor, College Success Advising Services 

Any future or currently enrolled Durham Tech student who identifies as a man of color is encouraged to join by contacting MCSI@durhamtech.edu.   

FOR MORE INFORMATION   
Desiree Towson, M.S.: Durham Tech Communications and Public Relations Coordinator at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu