Morgan Professor Named Emerging Scholar in Multicultural Research, Practice

Dr. Tiffany Fountaine, assistant director of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement, was recently awarded the American Educational Research Association’s Dr. Carlos. J. Vallejo Memorial Award for Emerging Scholarship. The award is given annually to an exemplary scholar/practitioner who produces scholarship advancing multicultural and multiethnic education within all educational, cultural, societal and social settings, contexts, levels and locations.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by my peers and to receive this award,” says Fountaine. “Although the award recognizes me individually, I believe it also acknowledges the efforts of a much greater community.”

Along with her research, Fountaine is an author and editor of scholarly books and articles that examine the experiences, retention and support of black graduate students at HBCUs as well as the success of strengths-based approaches for supporting black male undergraduates. “The recent mayoral proclamation declaring the month of April as Black Male Initiative Month in Baltimore and Morgan State University serving as the primary leader in those efforts reiterates that I do not stand alone,” says the Morgan alumna. “However, issues of access, retention, and degree completion remain challenges for racial and ethnic minority students, particularly our Black males.  I am reminded that much work remains to be done. “

As CASA’s assistant director, Fountaine coordinates and assesses a variety of student services including an academic advisement unit, peer tutorial and mentorship programs and first-year experience activities for exploratory learners.  She also coordinates a college readiness and transition program for first-year students whose high school academic profile and performance suggest the need for early intervention to improve their potential for success in college.

“I am so excited to serve as an academic citizen of a much broader community and vow to continue this research living up to the intent and spirit for which this award embodies and symbolizes,” she says.[/one_fourth_last]