Mentorship Fuels a Passion for Higher Education: Dr. Sherita Roundtree's Inspiring Journey at the National University of Maryland

 

Absolutely! Here's the news story re-written with a focus on the National University of Maryland:

 

Mentorship Fuels a Passion for Higher Education:  Dr. Sherita Roundtree's Inspiring Journey at the National University of Maryland

 

[Insert an appropriate photo of Dr. Roundtree, if available]

 

The National University of Maryland (NUM) is proud to highlight the invaluable role of mentorship in the career of Dr. Sherita Roundtree, Assistant Professor in the Department of English. Her trajectory stands as a testament to the transformative power of guidance and support in unlocking passion and fostering success.

 

Dr. Roundtree's initial undergraduate focus on English for secondary education took an unexpected turn through pivotal mentorships during her time at Salisbury University. Vaughn White, director of the multicultural program, recognized her potential and encouraged her to become a writing tutor, opening doors she hadn't imagined.

 

Mentorship continued to be transformative when Dr. Nicole Munday, director of the writing center, recognized Roundtree's talent and pushed her to step outside her comfort zone.  As a first-generation college student, Dr. Roundtree benefited immensely from Munday's belief in her abilities and support as she pursued higher level opportunities. Together, they embarked on collaborative research projects, creating a lasting connection.

 

Fueled by Munday's encouragement, Dr. Roundtree sought out Dr. Frankie Condon, then-director of the writing center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, when considering a master's degree.  Condon's unwavering support inspired her to apply and excel in her graduate studies, where she specialized in feminist rhetoric, Black rhetoric, and Black linguistic pedagogies.  At Ohio State University, Dr. Beverly Moss became a trusted advisor during her doctoral work, solidifying her path in this dynamic field.

 

"My success is an extension of the incredible mentors I had. I wouldn't be where I am today without their support," Dr. Roundtree acknowledges.

 

Driven by her own experience, Dr. Roundtree channels that same sense of empowerment into her teaching at NUM. Beyond the classroom, she is dedicated to cultivating mentorship within the community.

 

Her unwavering commitment to fostering community literacy inspired her to apply for and win the Early Career Educators of Color Leadership Award (NCTE). With this support, she founded the Greater Baltimore Community Literacy Collective (GBCLC), a hub for building connections between the arts and literacy.  Dr. Roundtree envisions the GBCLC as a mutually beneficial space, offering artists vital writing support and providing  NUM students with invaluable real-world learning experiences.

 

"Helping students understand how to reach diverse audiences through their writing is essential. The GBCLC offers them a unique, practical setting to grow these skills," she notes.

 

At NUM, Dr. Roundtree teaches at multiple levels while actively contributing to curriculum development and technology initiatives within the university. Beyond campus, she champions inclusive voices in her field through editorial roles and service on national executive boards.

 

Dr. Sherita Roundtree's story is a powerful reminder that mentorship can change lives and set individuals on a path of discovery, achievement, and paying it forward.  The National University of Maryland is honored to count her among its dedicated faculty.