Our Team
Dr. Issac Taylor, Program Director
Dr. Taylor plays a pivotal role in the development and success of all McNair Scholars, collaborating closely with scholars and their faculty mentors. He embraces a holistic approach focusing on each scholar’s comprehensive growth and well-being. To this end, Dr. Taylor prepares a Personal Educational Plan (PEP) tailored to each student’s aspirations and academic goals. He guides scholars through the intricacies of the McNair Summer Research Experience(MSRE) process, providing clarity and support. Dr. Taylor ensures that students have access to financial resources, alleviating potential barriers to their educational journeys. He actively assists them during campus visits and research conferences, where students can showcase their work and expand their professional networks. In addition, Dr. Taylor fosters a sense of community by organizing various enriching social, cultural, and community outreach events, which enhance the scholars’ experiences and promote personal development and civic engagement.
If you have any questions about McNair, please feel free to contact Dr. Taylor.
mcnair@georgiasouthern.edu
912-478-2576
Rosenwald Building
Office of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, and
Inclusive Excellence – PO BOX 8148
Dr. Nathan Palmer, Faculty Liaison
Dr. Nathan Palmer is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and serves as the Faculty Liaison for our program. As faculty liaison, Dr. Palmer, leads the monthly scholar meetings, guides scholars through the research process, and supports faculty mentors. Dr. Palmer is a graduate of the McNair Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he also earned his PhD.
npalmer@georgiasouthern.edu
912-478-7897
Carroll Building
Room 1062
Ana Nuñez, Program Coordinator
Ana Nuñez is a Clinical Psychology doctoral student. She serves as the Program Coordinator of our program. Ana works directly with all the McNair Scholars, Mr. Taylor, and Dr. Palmer. She helps the Scholars navigate through the graduate application process, provides mentorship for research opportunities, and ensures the scholars receive the financial support they need.
Advisory Board
Ms. Corine Ackerson-Jones
Director, TRIO-Student Support Services
Armstrong Campus
Dr. Karelle Aiken
Associate Professor
Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Amy Ballagh
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management
Dr. Thomas Bullock
Dean of Adult Education at Savannah Technical College
Armstrong Campus
Ms. Alba Cobos
Coordinator
Office of Admissions
Multicultural Recruitment
Dr. Checo Colon-Gaud
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Dr. Steven Engel
Director
Honors College
Dr. Delana Gajdosik-Nivens
Dean
College of Science & Mathematics
Dr. Randy Gunter
Retired
Vice President for Student Affairs
Ms. Leslie Harris
Coordinator of Academic Success
Student Support Services
Tosca Morgan
Admissions Counselor
Dr. Nathan Palmer
Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Mr. Issac Taylor
Director
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
Last updated: 2/26/2025
