by Bobbie Handcock | Office of University Communications
Dale Major is making history at Grambling State University (GSU) as the first student to participate in a concurrent program that GSU entered with Louisiana Tech University. Since fall 2020, he has been enrolled at Louisiana Tech working on a master of science in molecular science and nanotechnology while simultaneously completing his senior year at GSU. Major, who is from North Las Vegas, Nevada, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Grambling State University on April 15.
“The things I like most about this program are the opportunities to gain experience which comes with progressing through both settings,” he says. “I feel that I am blessed with the opportunity to focus on what I love, which is theoretical chemistry.”
Through the experience, he has had to deftly balance graduate and undergraduate courses and research.
“I do not see it as really a challenge. I see it as growth and growth potentials,” he says. “I have learned through this process that when faced with adversity, I have become more balanced when I turn to God for guidance and assistance through trying times. Without Him, I do not feel that I could have made it this far.”
Dr. Connie Walton, provost and vice president for academic affairs served as Major’s instructor for general chemistry and organic chemistry. She describes him as motivated, committed to his studies, and willing and able to assist his classmates.
“He works well with a variety of personalities,” she says. “He is a team player and comfortable taking on the responsibility of a leader.”
Major’s interest in chemistry grew while working on research projects at GSU. Among other skills, he learned how to use a scanning electron microscope which provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images. “What really piqued my interest to pursue a career in chemistry was seeing the material at the micro and nanoscale. It was like a different world.”
Major says his academic journey has had its share of sleepless nights, trials, tribulations, failures, and successes but his faith has gotten him through. “My belief [is] that where I fall short, God always provides,” he says. “He has brought me through many obstacles during this stage of my undergraduate journey. Now, we are ready for the next stage of my education.”
After graduation, Major plans to rest and relax a little with his family who is coming to celebrate with him. “After the weekend, because I still have classes and projects coming up at Louisiana Tech, I plan to continue working on my research for my thesis,” he says.
He expects to finish his master’s degree at Louisiana Tech in fall 2022.
Major has many favorite memories associated with his time at Grambling. Among them is time spent volunteering at elementary schools with his fraternity, Iota Phi Theta.
“I love feeling like an example to the young minds that we were helping,” he says. “It is sort of like giving the young people a goal to reach for through exposure and education.”
Major also enjoyed tutoring many of his peers in mathematics (calculus, probability and statistics, differential equations, and linear algebra).
He said he hopes to one day become a quantum computing scientist working for one of the National Laboratories.
“I want to pursue this avenue because of my interest in theoretical chemistry,” he says. “I find it fascinating how two paired particles are seen as singular quantum states because of their spin…I want to be a groundbreaker in the scientific community. Being a Quantum Computing Scientist is just one of the avenues that I would love to pursue.”
He wants to eventually return to Grambling to be a mentor – an educator for the young minds that come after him.
Major said his journey is about living a purpose-driven life through service to God. “I would not be in such a wonderful place, without him and the many wonderful mentors he sent to guide me. I have some wonderful mentors that I have been ultimately blessed to have met them through my journey at Grambling as well as Louisiana Tech.”
Major says his inspiration comes from family, professors, mentors, and his mother and father. “My Dad inspires me because he is the wisest man I know. He is also the hardest working man, who has led by example,” he says. “I hope one day I can amount to his work ethic and successes.”
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901 that combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. This combination enables students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. The 590-acre campus offers 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. With a longstanding tradition of excellence, Grambling State University continues to emphasize the value and importance of each student, exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody Is Somebody.