Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program

The Marian Drane Graham Scholars Program is a primarily virtual sixteen-week experiential semester program designed to provide students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain a better understanding of key issues facing public higher education. The program is open to juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in higher education and attending one of the sixteen constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina System. Scholars will be mentored by UNC System leadership and visit the System offices in Raleigh, NC.

Scholars have the opportunity to work virtually with a UNC System mentor on research and Systemwide projects. The 16-week experience will be 100 hours in total. Scholars will further their knowledge of how higher education impacts the state of North Carolina. Through these experiences, it is anticipated that each scholar will develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of higher education and state government.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Internship Placement:

  • Strong project management or organizational skills;
  • Research, editing, and proofreading skills;
  • Ability to work as a team where ongoing collaboration is a must;
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and deal with uncertainty;
  • Ability to contribute individually and participate in cross-functional teams.

Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, but applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Be a junior or senior pursuing their bachelor’s degree from a constituent institution within the University of North Carolina with a
    minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
  • Have the ability and discipline to follow through with virtual projects and/or research;
  • Have a passion for how higher education in North Carolina relates to our future, to local and federal government policy, the military,
    financial aid, and/or economic development;
  • Be willing and able to meet during regular work hours Monday-Friday. Total 4-6 hours per week.

2026 Marian Drane Graham Scholars

Chantel Chestnutt – North Carolina Central University
Working with Strategy and Policy
B.A. Political Science & B.A. History Ed. 9-12
Graduating in May 2027
Future Goal: After graduation, Chantel plans to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy with a concentration in Education Policy. After completing that degree, she plans to teach for a few years before transitioning into education policy work or higher education. Finally, She is looking forward to enhancing skills such as leadership, networking, and public speaking.

Ciara Dawson – UNC Greensboro
Working with Academic Affairs 
Bachelor of Arts, History & Bachelor of Arts, Economics
Graduating in May 2026
Future Goal: Ciara is hoping to become the director of a leadership and civic engagement office for a university with North Carolina.

Malkiyah Williams – UNC-Chapel Hill
Working with Safety and Enterprise Risk Management
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Graduating in May 2026
Future Goal: Malkiyah is hoping to be an advocate for education and support students throughout that process.

For questions, please contact Kimberly Mitchell: klmitchell@northcarolina.edu.