Holmes Scholars Past Cohorts

Carla Roberson Named Scholar of the Month

Carla Roberson is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Ohio University, where she is pursuing a concentration in mental health and rehabilitation counseling. Roberson is also a former McNair Scholar and alumnae of Kean University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She previously served on the Holmes Council as the social media coordinator and continues to give back to the Holmes community.

Roberson’s research investigates the lived experiences and psychological well-being of Black students and faculty in higher education. Her dissertation study, “A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Imposter Phenomenon among Black Doctoral Students at Predominantly White Institutions” focuses on the impostor phenomenon—a psychological pattern that makes it hard for people to internalize their own accomplishments—and its effects on doctoral students of color. She is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority students and professionals in higher education. She hopes to become a professor, alongside her mental health pursuits, in order to inspire students by creating an environment for them to become effective clinicians, educators, and critical thinkers.

Oumarou Abdoulaye Balarabe Elected President of the Holmes Council

Oumarou “Omar” Abdoulaye Balarabe, a first-year Holmes Scholar, was elected as the President of the Holmes Council in the recent AACTE 73rd Annual Meeting, which occurred February 23rd - 26th, 2021. 

Omar is from Benin, West Africa, and a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education in Ohio University.

Discussing his research interests, Omar revealed, “my research examines pathways to university student thriving and success. More specifically, I am committed to identifying and understanding activities, practices, or involvements that explain students' intellectual, social,  and psychological engagement in their higher education experience. In general, I am  interested in student success, equity and diversity issues, and comparative education in postsecondary education.”

In addition to his schoolwork, Omar is dedicated to service. He was the former President of the African Student Union at OU in 2019. He is the co-founder of and the Public Relations (Internal) Lead for the International Student Task Force at Ohio University, where he works alongside peer student leaders to advocate for support for international students who may be affected by the advent of COVID-19. Also, Omar is the Senator representing the Patton College of Education Graduate Students at the Graduate Student Senate.

Carla Roberson Successfully Defended Her Dissertation

Carla Roberson, a 3rd year Holmes Scholar and a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program, has successfully defended her dissertation titled, "A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Imposter Phenomenon among Black Doctoral Students at Predominantly White Institutions."

The newly minted Dr. Roberson described her research interests as centering on mental health counseling, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. She is interested in the lived experiences and psychological well-being of Black students and faculty in higher education. She is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented professionals, particularly in the counselor education and supervision field.

Dr. Roberson is passionate about collaborating with other Holmes Scholars to create and promote professional development and mentorship programming for the Holmes Scholar community. She has served as the Social Media Coordinator for the Holmes Council (2019-2020). She is currently the Social Media Coordinator for the National Association of Holmes Scholar Alumni (NAHSA). Also, she serves as the Social Media committee member for the Holmes Scholar community.