A fellowship founded by Joseph R. Morris extends his commitment to research

Joseph R. Morris (AM ’72, PhD ’75) credits a strong support system with instilling in him the value of giving back to others. Growing up, those among his own web of support included “Public school teachers, university professors, coaches, colleagues, and parents, especially a mom who believed in the power of education and in me.”

Morris went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in educational psychology from U-M. His decades-long

 career as an administrator and faculty member included ten years as chair of the Department of Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University. In 2014, Morris established the Joseph R. Morris Doctoral Fellowship in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology. The fellowship supports doctoral students who are researching topics relevant to Black student success. Awardees can use their fellowship for research-related travel, fees, and equipment.

Each year, Morris personally meets with the recipient of the doctoral fellowship—a tradition that reflects his commitment to the research the fellowship helps advance.

Shana Rochester (AM ’14,  PhD ’18), whose research focuses on how schools and family-based educational programs can support the language and literacy development of pre-kindergarten through third graders, won the fellowship in 2018. The opportunity enabled her to disseminate her dissertation work, which included conducting a series of culturally responsive family literacy workshops for African American elementary students.

“I am particularly interested in supporting Children of Color and children from low-income communities,” she said. “My work also investigates the multiple contexts in which development takes place (e.g., home, school, community) and explores how children’s cultural knowledge and out-of-school experiences can be leveraged in ways that improve learning.”

Jozet Channey (BS ’13, MS ’18, PhD ’22), who received the fellowship in 2020, wrote to Morris: “Thank you for your generosity, which supported me in conducting my dissertation research exploring how the critical racial consciousness and racial dysconsciousness of parents and teachers shape the ways they interact with and educate Black youth. Thank you for establishing this award and supporting the research of scholars doing the necessary work to highlight Black excellence in its many forms.”

2023 recipient Chino Ekwueme’s (AB ’20, anticipated PhD ’27) research is driven by first-hand and vicarious experiences of isolation and discrimination. These instances have led her to ask: How can the belonging needs of Black students be addressed?

“I want to voice my appreciation for your dedication to supporting students like myself who have a vested interest in supporting the academic needs of Black youth,” wrote Ekwueme to Morris. “Receiving your support truly helps to validate the importance of work like mine. This fellowship will enable me to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct impactful, justice focused research, and I am eager to apply these skills in my future work.”

“Each recipient has been truly outstanding,” said Morris. “They are conducting research to inform school and family practices that will promote optimal development in children, particularly at-risk minority students with the potential to be the educators, leaders, doctors, and scientists society needs.”