BE HISTORIC
About the Association of Pan-African Doctoral Scholars, Inc.
OUR STORY
The Association of Pan-African Doctoral Scholars, Inc. (APADS) was founded by Drs. Nelle Becker-Slaton, Sandra Cox, and Marion Maddox in 1981.
Together they formed a support group to address the issues and challenges of the doctoral process for Pan-African students.
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Members come from the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, and other parts of the world. APADS was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1994.
The membership is duly proud of its success in helping more Pan-African students obtain their doctoral degrees.
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APADS, Inc. is a support organization that fosters and provides mentoring support for Pan-African students and scholars. We are concerned both with ensuring the academic success of students pursuing a doctoral degree and supporting the professional development of Pan-African scholars in educational, research, and corporate settings.
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We pursue this endeavor by "mentoring," networking, examining institutional policies and practices, and information exchange.
APADS is a support organization that fosters and provides mentoring support for Pan-African students and scholars. We are concerned both with ensuring the academic success of students pursuing a doctoral degree and supporting the professional development of Pan-African scholars in educational research and corporate settings.
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We are a multifaceted non-profit organization interested in developing our community through the successes of our Members.
OUR FOUNDERS
Dr. Marion Maddox, Dr. Nelle Becker-Slaton,
and Dr. Sandra Cox Brunch
USC; November 12, 2006
In 1981, while studying at the Claremont Graduate School, Nelle Becker-Slaton observed that numerous students were dropping out of the doctoral program. She teamed with two classmates, Marion Maddox and Sandra Cox to form what is now the Association of Pan-African Doctoral Scholars (APADS).
Working together, they used the Association to help address the issues and challenges that African American doctoral students faced as they journeyed through the dissertation process.
The group held its first meeting at the home of Nelle Becker-Slaton and for more than fifteen years, she led the Association and helped it to grow into an organization that continues to provide ongoing support to doctoral students, doctoral candidates, and those who have completed a doctoral program.
In 1994, APADS received its non-profit status and proudly continues to help Pan-African students obtain a doctoral degree
OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD
THE FAQS
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How much are scholarships and how do I apply?APADS awards $500 scholarships to help defray dissertation editing services expenses. Any Associate Member who is in good standing and graduating from accredited institution is able to apply.
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Can APADS help me with statistical analysis?APADS is a support and mentoring organization and we do not provide statistical analysis. We have a short referral list of scholars who provide this service for paid, current Associate Members.
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Why do I need to join the APADS community?The dissertation journey can be lonely, frustrating, complex and complicating. APADS offers a community of dissertation students and candidates who can exchange information, collaborate and share experiences – good and bad. APADS also offers a community of doctoral scholars who have travelled the road and who know the fine details that paves the way to dissertation completion and Final Defense. It takes a village, even at the doctoral level!
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What kind of support and mentorship does APADS provide?APADS hosts a monthly ZOOM meeting every 3rd Sunday for paid Members. In this space, Associates have the opportunity to ask questions of General Members who are content scholars. General Members provide invaluable feedback, recommendations and strategies to get you through the process. Also, the website offers a Forum and a Blog to help Members navigate the dissertation chapters in addition to opportunities to share and engage with others in this doctoral community.
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I can’t physically attend the in-person meetings. How do I take advantage of APADS support and mentorship?APADS provides support and mentorship via ZOOM meetings. Associates and General Members join from numerous institutions across the United States. You can too!
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Does APADS offer one-on-one coaching?APADS does not offer one-on-one coaching but we have a referral list of providers who offer this service.
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Can I purchase the Chapter Powerpoints and not hold membership?You can purchase the Chapter Powerpoints (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) separately from membership at a cost of $50.00.
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Does APADS review/edit dissertation drafts?APADS does not review/edit dissertation drafts. We have a referral list of providers who offer this service.
