Former Gates Millennium Scholar (GMS) and Dean of Northwest Christian University’s Counseling and Education Department, Gene James, Ph.D., was selected by the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars at New Mexico State University to assist in selecting the 2016 GMS finalists.
“It is an honor to be asked by the AIGCS to read and evaluate the applications submitted by many talented and motivated students,” Dr. James said, a member of the Quinault Indian Nation. “I look forward to reading about the outstanding leadership, academic, and community service achievements of American Indian GMS applicants.”
James was a member of the first class of Gates Millennium Scholars in 1999. He used the scholarship to earn a doctorate in Counselor Education from Oregon State University.
“The Gates Millennium Scholars program made it possible for me to continue my education and to serve the Quinault Indian Nation,” James said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program by reviewing applications.”
The GMS initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in all discipline areas and graduate education for those students pursuing advanced degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, education, public health and library science.
The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding students with significant financial need to reach their fullest potential. The GMS program is a twenty-year initiative, selecting one thousand students per year as Gates Millennium Scholars.
About Northwest Christian University
Northwest Christian University is a liberal arts institution dedicated to providing a transformational education that champion’s wisdom, faith and service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded in 1895 and is affiliated with the historical restoration movement of churches in America. Northwest Christian University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in traditional undergraduate, adult degree, and graduate program formats, as well as online programs for MBA and M.Ed. More information about the University is available at www.nwcu.edu.