Holmes Scholars Program
The Holmes Scholars Program, part of the Office of Student Success and Global Engagement, supports doctoral students in Purdue University’s College of Education. This initiative fosters a leadership pipeline, preparing future practitioners to shape educational practices as faculty, administrators, and leaders.
Benefits for Scholars
- Access to a peer and alumni network, online communities
- Mentorship: From alumni and faculty during all program stages.
- Present research at national AACTE meetings.
- Attend a dedicated pre-conference at the AACTE Annual Meeting.
- Participate in the summer Policy Institute in Washington, DC (includes Day on the Hill).
- Participate in the Holmes Career Fair.
- Engagement with research retreats focused on dissertation development.
- Year‑round webinars on topics like grant writing, career advancement, academic writing, mental health, and job preparation.
- Support for national event attendance (transportation, lodging, meals).
- Fellowships such as dissertation funding and specialized scholarships.
Scholar Commitments
- Serve a 3-year term (doctoral/post‑doctoral).
- Annual engagement:
- Attend the AACTE Annual Meeting and Holmes Pre-conference.
- Submit research proposals for national meeting presentations.
- Engage in at least one additional academic conference (e.g., AERA).
- Present at poster, job-talk, or dissertation funding events.
- Develop and implement a research or advocacy project.
- Attend the AACTE Annual Meeting and Holmes Pre-conference.
Program Highlights
Research & Dissertation Retreat
Focused support for dissertation milestones.
Career Fair
Matches scholars and alumni with institutions for faculty/leadership positions.
Online Webinars
Covering wellness, writing, interview prep, and job market strategies.
Alumni Engagement
Access to the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni & ongoing resource library.
How to Get Started as a Holmes Scholar at Purdue University
- Complete Purdue Holmes Scholars Program application (Holmes Scholars application go live in the spring semester i.e., applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available Spring 2026)
- Submit a two-page cover letter outlining the following:
- An outline of your professional goals
- A brief description of your primary research interest
- Examples of your commitment to scholarship and educational practice
- Why you want to become a Purdue Holmes Scholar
- Current curriculum vitae or résumé
- One (1) letter of support/recommendation from a faculty member
- Interview with Holmes Scholars Interview Panel
Meet Purdue’s Holmes Scholars
2024 Holmes Scholars
Abigail Erskine
PhD Candidate, Mathematics Education
Ty’Bresha Glass
Research Assistant, Gifted Education
Jessica Harris
PhD Student, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Dallann Johnson
PhD Student, Counseling Psychology
Tirtha Karki
Teaching Assistant, Literacy & Language
Samuel King
Graduate Student, Counseling Psychology
Mahreen Mamoon
PhD Student, Ross Fellow, Curriculum Studies
2023
- Samiratu Bashiru
- Karabella Hernandez
- Chenchen Lu
- Megan (Yiheng) Zhou
2022
- Jessica Reneé Bowen
- Alankrita Chhikara
- Stephanie Contreras
- Razak Dwomoh
- Godwin Gyimah
- Sergio Maldonado
- Terron Phillips
- Viviana Piceno
- Shivani Ramoutar
- Shawn Wooden
- Jingyuan Zhang
2019
- Troy Bell
2018
- Adegoke Adetunji
- Taewon Kim
2017
- Marquetta Straight
- Horrane Holgate
2016
- Temitope F. Adeoye
- Shalyse Iseminger
2015
- LaMarcus Hall
2014
- Kwalfle Scott-Bradley
2012
- Ileana Cortes-Santiago
2010
- Constance Harris
2009
- Kevin Brooks
In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance via email or at (765) 494-5830.