New cohort of Margaret Boyd Scholars champions success and leadership

The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program (MBSP), named after Ohio University’s first female graduate, is a program that cultivates curious scholars who pursue knowledge, champion equity and engage in their community.

The MBSP provides diverse female-identified undergraduates with experiences that build skills and encourage self-reflection. The program also offers a network of peers to help students create lasting friendships and empowers women to become leaders and citizens at OHIO and beyond.

“The most rewarding part of being part of this cohort is having a thriving community of like-minded individuals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. I truly feel valued,” said current Margaret Boyd scholar Ankita Bansode.

Students are selected as Boyd Scholars in fall semester of their first year. The four-year program includes a first-year seminar, a second-year residential component, a third-year emphasis on academic and professional development and a fourth-year capstone seminar. The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program is open to students from all colleges and majors.

The seminar offers a way for the scholars to stay engaged with the community and learn about the vast number of opportunities available to them as both women and students. The program provides a space for students to help each other break down barriers to their personal and professional achievements. 

“So far we have discussed women in history who came before us, and we are now engaging in discussion on education in a broader sense, covering its implication in propagating gender norms and other topics like institutional racism,” Bansode added.

Being part of the program is an excellent stepping-stone for undergraduate women to begin their higher education experience.

“We want these women to get involved with other things on campus such as athletics, Student Senate, undergraduate research, and more. The foundation of becoming a Boyd scholar is to give these students the support, recognition, and opportunities needed to succeed,” said Kathy Fahl, interim dean of students and director of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program.

“I am grateful to have been chosen for the program because my life and activities have largely been male-dominated, and I look forward to working with other women who want to make a large-scale change in our world,” said current Margaret Boyd scholar Isabella Curet.

The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program is a 2012 grant recipient of the prestigious 1804 Fund. The program is a collaboration between the Division of Student Affairs, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion and University College.

Applications for the next cohort of scholars will open this summer. 

Give to the program here: https://www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/boyd-scholars/support-program. Our margin of excellence depends on the private support of you – our alumni and friends. Whether your interests lie in supporting student internships and study abroad, visiting scholars, or physical spaces for the Margaret Boyd Scholars, there are many ways you can add your promise to this unique program. Your gift to The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program will support several exciting initiatives that will shape the future of our program, and in turn, the futures of our students.