A Word from the Program Director
Shukura Bakari-Cozart
I have more than two decades in higher education and the nonprofit sector supporting first‑generation, low‑income, and individuals from marginalized communities. I have served in multiple leadership roles at Wichita State University, including Director of Veterans Upward Bound, Academic Advisor/Tutor Coordinator for Disability Support Services, and long‑time staff member of the McNair Scholars Program. My work centers on student development, program management, community engagement, and grant administration—successfully securing and managing federal and foundation funding for educational access programs.
My career also extends into the Wichita community, where I directed outreach services at the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center and contributed to arts and youth programming at Mark Arts. As a skilled facilitator and collaborator, I have chaired major conferences, supervised diverse teams, managed large-scale educational initiatives, and supported numerous students in achieving academic and personal success.
As a product of TRIO (Student Support Services and McNair Scholars Program) I am proof that TRIO Works! I am committed to serving students for the work we do in the various TRIO programs is important and has lasting impacts for our students and their families. I enjoy my spare time with family and friends, gardening, quilting and loving music!
Shukura Bakari-Cozart