THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATE SCHOOL
Meet Some of Our Graduate Students 2000
 
  

"As an undergraduate music education major at Auburn University, I aspired to become a band director. After talking with a former professor and with an instructor at The University of Alabama, I decided that obtaining a graduate degree in music performance at the University would enhance my marketability in the music world.

Graduate school has offered me an opportunity to thoroughly explore musical topics such as theory and history. I have also performed in music ensembles and studied with Mr. Mike Dunn, an inspiring tuba/euphonium instructor. Looking back, applying to graduate school was a wise decision for me."

Ishbah Cox, School of Music
Music Performance with Mr. J. Michael Dunn, Instructor
   "After I got my master's degree two years ago, I felt I still needed to know more about mechanical engineering. The University of Alabama has a good reputation and a qualified faculty. I believe that my graduate study at this university will help me achieve my goal.

A variety of courses and state-of-the-art facilities are provided by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. I am not only able to concentrate on my specific research but also have opportunities to study in related fields. My adviser's instruction and encouragement also make my study more fruitful and enjoyable."

Xingshu Gao, Mechanical Engineering
with adviser, Dr. Sally McInerny, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
   "The decision to continue one's education rather than enter the workforce upon completion of an undergraduate degree is one many people struggle with. I, too, spent hours contemplating which path I should choose. If only I had known then what I do now. Deciding to pursue higher education at the University of Alabama Graduate School has proven to be one of the most influential events in my life. It has allowed me to diversify my knowledge by enrolling in a program completely unlike my undergraduate field of study. Not only has this made me a more well-rounded individual but also a more marketable employee."

Alithea Morris, M.B.A. Program
with adviser, Dr. Kenneth Mark Weaver, Professor, Department of Management and Marketing
   "When I first applied for admission to the University of Alabama Graduate Program in Mathematics, I was both excited and apprehensive about the challenges and the new environment that I was entering. Coming from a historically black university, I was faced with making the transition into surroundings where I was in the minority. Within the Graduate School and to varying degrees within my department, I found a wealth of support from the administrators exemplified through their concerns about my adjustment to life in Tuscaloosa, my academic progress, and my personal well-being. In general, I have found my time at The University of Alabama to be rewarding, and I envision a successful and prosperous career as a result of these experiences."

Raynetta Prevo, Applied Mathematics
with adviser, Dr. Joseph Neggers, Professor, Department of Mathematics
   "Coming from a large school, I expected the Graduate School at The University of Alabama to be fairly similar - large classes, no personal contact with professors, and generally getting lost in the system. But even though the University is enormous, I feel like I am at a much smaller school. All of my classes are small. I know every professor in the department, and have had the opportunity to work with and get to know several of them. I don't feel like just one of the crowd here like I did as an undergraduate, and I believe that I am doing better and getting more out of my experience because of this."

Keith Massey, Computer Science
with adviser, Dr. Scott Hawker, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science

Graduate School | University of Alabama | 09/01/2004