keynotes * Workshops * additional Programming for mcnair Scholars
Ms. Demetria Hereford, Former Associate Director | McNair | University of Mississippi
“Dr. Kendrick Savage is an encourager! He is humble, yet a powerful motivator and it is displayed clearly in all of his speaking engagements.”
Dr. Michael Hunt, Director | McNair Scholars Program |University of Maryland (BC)
“Let me give a shout out to Dr. Kendrick Savage! He did a phenomenal job presenting virtually to our scholars. I highly recommend him!”
Dr. Davida Curtis, Director| McNair Scholars Program| Fort Valley State University
“Dr. Savage’s message of triumph, perseverance, and victory was very timely for our McNair Scholars. I really believe that they will approach their goals with new purpose after hearing his story and engaging in meaningful dialogue.”
Dr. Crystal Toombs, Former Director | McNair Scholars Program| University of North Georgia
“Working with Dr. Savage has been transformative. His knowledge and practical wisdom empowered our students to see that every part of their life journey is an important piece of their success.”
Why Choose Dr. Savage?
McNair Scholar Alum: Dr. Savage’s McNair journey includes two undergraduate research awards, 3 graduate degrees and a life dedicated to helping first-generation students.
Powerful Story: Dr. Savage's journey from adversity to achievement resonates with students.
Educational Expertise: A former high school math teacher, math professor, STEM advocate, and educational speaker.
Inspiring Leadership: Passion for people and a deep commitment to helping students succeed.!
the first-generation champion
“Your belief in who you are and where you are going needs to be so firm that it can withstand anything that attempts to change that!”
my drive and motivation
Dr. Savage's journey has been anything but easy! Academically, life started unraveling as early as elementary school. He got behind and really didn’t see a life of academic success nor the purpose. Truth is, Dr. Savage was born to two parents that never graduated from high school and those same generational mistakes found there way into his life!
Blessed by divine intervention, Dr. Savage would ultimately encounter mentors that changed the direction of his life! He has been gifted with the fantastic task to help as many young people as he can and it is evident in his speeches and workshops how much he cares!
A BELIEF THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
With an unyielding determination to succeed, Dr. Savage earned his B.S. in mathematics from The University of Mississippi. He continued to ascend, obtaining an M.S. in mathematics and an M.A. in teaching from Mississippi State University. Driven by a passion for enhancing educational experiences, he pursued a Ph.D. in mathematics education from Mississippi State University.
During his undergraduate years, Dr. Savage's involvement in the McNair Scholars Program laid the foundation for his commitment to excellence and giving back. Dr. Savage, as an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi would win two undergraduate research awards for his McNair Scholars research and go on to earn 3 graduate degrees. His first-hand experience in the program ignited a mission to empower low-income and first-generation students, offering them the support he himself had once received.
powerful keynote topics for mcnair scholars:
Dr. Kendrick Savage is a highly sought after speaker and workshop leader in the TRIO and first-generation college community! There is no topic that he speaks on that he hasn’t already experienced firsthand.
The topics presented here are topics that have been received exceptionally well by TRIO and first-generation scholars across the United States and are some of Dr. Savage’s favorite topics to dive into.
*If there is a topic that is not presented here that is of interest, then please let Dr. Savage know and he will be happy to develop a presentation for that topic.
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Discover strategies to conquer self-doubt and develop unshakable confidence.
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The importance of making the connections that best serve you.
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Learn how Dr. Savage overcame a low-income and first-generation background and an initial community to didn't foster much hope for someone like him!
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Learn how to take responsibility, embrace honesty and overcome the barriers in your academic and personal life!
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Learn how a mentor can benefit your life and how to find the perfect mentor for you!
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Mental Health Support is critical for students to succeed and having a plan to maintain your mental health is even more important.
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Critical Decisions are being made every day and many of those decisions are based on how we feel emotionally. Establishing great emotional health is important for the success that one wants.
Motivational Workshops for Interactive Growth
Our interactive motivational workshops create a dynamic environment for students to connect, learn, and grow together. Dr. Savage's workshops are designed to foster communication, build confidence, and equip students with actionable strategies for success.
Savage Motivation’s McNair Scholars Enrichment workshops include:
Through thought-provoking discussions, educational activities, and collaborative exercises, students will leave our workshops feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to embrace their educational journey.
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UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO THRIVE IN GRADUATE SCHOOL
Are your students ready to conquer the unique challenges of graduate school? Aspiring to graduate-level education can be daunting, especially for McNair Scholars who are often first-generation or underrepresented students. I'm here to guide your scholars through the intricacies of graduate school preparation. Drawing from my experience as a McNair Alum and terminal degree holder, I've designed workshops tailored to the needs of McNair Scholars.
Key Insights from the Workshop:
• Understanding the expectations of graduate school.
• Strategically starting the journey (Defining aspirations).
• Overcoming barriers commonly faced by graduate students.
• Navigating the selection of the right graduate program.
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DR. SAVAGE’S PROVEN 5-STEP FRAMEWORK
Do your students possess a foolproof framework for crafting compelling personal statements? McNair Scholars often face the challenge of creating impactful personal statements for graduate school applications. With my 5-point framework, scholars gain a comprehensive tool for constructing powerful personal statements, which can also be leveraged for graduate school fellowships and scholarships interviews.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
• Avoiding common pitfalls in personal statement writing.
• Incorporating essential elements into a personal statement.
• Captivating the reader's attention from the outset.
• Emphasizing the significance of current undergraduate work.
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FOSTERING POSITIVE CONNECTIONS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Do your students grasp the vital role of advisor relationships in their academic journey? Many graduate students struggle with navigating the intricate landscape of advisor relationships. I'm here to demystify the process, offering students a comprehensive guide to advisor interactions—from pre-graduate school research to ongoing support during and after graduate studies.
Key Insights from the Workshop:
• Selecting the right advisor for your academic path.
• Mastering effective communication with advisors.
• Maximizing the benefits of the student-advisor relationship.
• Navigating challenges when communication stalls.
• Identifying signs that a change of advisor may be necessary.
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The ability for students to manage their time and energy is critical for success!
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A ROADMAP TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS BEYOND GRADUATION
Empowering McNair Scholars with financial literacy is key to their academic journey. Beyond academic choices, students encounter financial decisions that shape their lives. From housing to managing scholarships and fellowships, my workshop equips scholars with essential financial skills to thrive throughout their educational journey.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
• Clear explanations of relevant financial terms.
• Frameworks for effective budgeting.
• Responsible management of graduate school funds.
• Balancing academic and personal life choices.
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Confidence Workshop
Whose in control of your narrative? Is it you? Is it adversity? Is it your professor? Who gets to write your narrative?
In this powerful workshop, Dr. Savage provides students strategies and tips on how to stay confident within themselves, with research, with networking, and beyond. It is both powerful and vulnerable at the same time.
Key takeaways:
Establish confidence to succeed at research.
Establish confidence to succeed at networking.
Establish confidence to succeed with your major.
Establish confidence within self.
2. IMAGINE Workshop
This workshop is all about making sure students’ vision is in the proper place. Dr. Savage highlights the importance of vision, mental preparedness, and making sure that what students envision is not robbed by poor effort, procrastination, imposter syndrome or any other debilitating barrier.
Key Takeaways:
Vision is aligned with the effort it takes to succeed.
Illumination of what barriers have the potential to derail students’ goals.
A blue print of strategies to develop, cultivate, and enhance a vision that supports future success.
3. Getting to the Finish Line with Less Workshop
Dr. Savage has put together a dynamic workshop that taps at the heart of any student that feels that they are i an uphill battle to success. Many students either come to college somewhat unprepared or feel like they may not have what it takes to complete their academic and sometimes personal journey. This is where Dr. Savage steps in to show them that a background that feels like less can actually be just what you need in order to gain success!
Key Takeaways:
The power of your background and how to use it.
Less is sometimes best.
How to find the strength, fortitude, and tenacity that is already there.
THE FIRST-GENERATION CHAMPION NEWSLETTER
FOR DIRECTORS AND COORDINATORS
Are you a Director or Coordinator of a program that serves first-generation students?
Yes? Then sign up for my first-generation champion newsletter!!!
Let’s change the game together! I will be sending you ways to:
Motivate your first-generation students!
Improve their academic and study skills!
Help them overcome adversity!
…And much much more!
