TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has named a select group of students who will be McNair Scholars for 2007.

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program named for Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the astronaut who died in the Challenger space shuttle accident in 1986. The program encourages individuals who are first-generation college students or those typically under-represented in graduate schools to pursue graduate study.

The program provides junior and senior undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in research experiences with financial support and faculty mentoring.

The 2007 UA McNair Scholars include:

Arnelya Cade, a chemical engineering major from Thomaston

Aldrich Callins, a finance major from Birmingham

Kellie Chaney, a Chinese history major from Winfield

Kimberly Goins, a political science and Spanish major from Mobile

Emerald Greywoode, an interdisciplinary studies major from Montgomery

Kerri Harding, an art history major from Toledo, Ohio

Phillip Jordan, a psychology major from Huntsville

Christopher Dale Maddox, a psychology major from Maplesville

Krysten Nevarez, an English major from Seabrook, Texas

Audrey Sharp, a finance major from Birmingham

Brittany Sims, a French and English major from Montgomery

Jarrod Stanley, an interdisciplinary studies major from Boaz

Candice Traylor, an exercise and sports medicine major from Woodstock

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.