Curtis D. Byrd–Program Director
Mr. Byrd received both his B.S. in Psychology and M.Ed. in Higher Education at Iowa State University (ISU). To the service of the Ga. State McNair program, Mr. Byrd brings a wealth of experience and vision.
Before coming to Ga. State , Mr. Byrd served as the Executive Director of the National Science Foundation-funded Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a very similar program to the McNair program except for serving only science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students among six institutions in Georgia. He served as the director of the Recruitment and Retention office at UGA’s Graduate School for six years. At UGA, he was responsible for increasing minority graduate enrollment by 30% and assisted in giving UGA a ranking of 11th in the nation for producing African American doctorates.
Mr. Byrd’s primary goals are to diversify the graduate student population and to facilitate a smooth transition for students from the application process through graduation.
Amidst his hectic schedule, Mr. Byrd finds time for his longtime hobby, the creative arts. While in college, Mr. Byrd was a band leader for seven years and was a campus DJ for ISU Jazz Hour. He was brought up in a creative environment with a mother who taught third- and fourth-grade art, as well as a grandfather who was a church choir director. He loves live music, particularly the new soul movement, classic R & B, jazz and Caribbean music. He says he cannot do without dance, visual art, poetry, and, of course, the theater.
Mr. Byrd aspires to earn a doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Eventually, he wants to be a senior collegiate administrator who provides consultation on legislation and policies relevant to the admission and retention of students of color in the United States.
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Takeisha Robinson–Program Coordinator
Ms. Robinson, born and raised in Atlanta, Ga., attended Druid Hills High School, where she was a dancer in the marching band, a member of the track team, a cheerleader, as well as a member of several social organizations and an honor roll student.
Ms. Robinson graduated in 1998 as an H.O.P.E. scholarship recipient. After a hiatus of two years at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, the Atlanta native transferred to Georgia State University, where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in 2003 in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Speech. She began working for Georgia State University in the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Graduate Services. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Georgia. She plans to sit for licensure after graduation to obtain the certification of Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Ms. Robinson aspires to assisting others by magnifying their tools of empowerment while traveling the rigorous journey of educational advancement. She says she is enjoying her position as Program Coordinator for the Ronald E. McNair Program and that meeting the students and working with the staff has been a complete joy. She regards her job not only as a professional development opportunity but as a very personal mission which complements her desire to educate as many people as possible about educational advancement.
During the time she gets from her studies and work, Ms. Robinson enjoys making crafts with her 5-year-old son, Kason, and participating in outdoor activities.
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Donnia M. Turner–Senior Administrative Coordinator
Donnia M. Turner is the Senior Administrative Coordinator for both the Student Support Services and Ronald E. McNair Programs. She received a B.S. degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and is currently pursuing a M.S. degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. she is originally from Fort Valley, GA and now resides in Henry County with her husband. She says she enjoys the work that she does, the people that she works with, and the students that she serves. Mr. Turner adds that she can’t think of a more rewarding job at this point in her life.
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