Did you know that only 11% of individuals who have a bachelor's degree have a significant physical disability? Did you know that only 8% of individuals who have a master's degree have a significant physical disability? Did you know that only 7% of individuals who have a doctoral degree have a significant physical disability? When I look back at my higher education journey, I am overwhelmed with how fortunate and blessed I am to be included in this small percentage of individuals with a significant physical disability that has gone on and earned a doctorate. I credit many different people and experiences in my life for getting here but the two most important are my mother, though her time on Earth was cut way too short, and my undergraduate time at UT. In the short six years I had with my mom, she instilled in me that there was nothing I could not do; that I was just like my sister and my friends. I was fortunate and blessed to have an aunt who introduced me to UT. The four years I spent at UT shaped me into the person I am today. I was surrounded by inspirational leaders and mentors who supported and challenged me, and I fell in love with a profession that drives me to this day.
Why do I share this? I am excited to announce the creation of the Michele Jean Jenkins-Calega Endowment. This endowed scholarship was created in the Summer of 2023 as a means to honor my mother by providing financial help to students who have a significant physical disability, making higher education a possibility. Please join me in support of this scholarship! #AllinforUT