A leader on campus in broadening participation in STEM education as the most recent director of the BOLD Center, Tanya Ennis is committed to developing and studying strategies that can create a more equitable environment for racially minoritized and first-generation students.
Ennis studied electrical engineering at an Historically Black College/University, Southern University, and then computer engineering for her Master’s degree from the University of Southern California before coming to CU Boulder to direct the Engineering GoldShirt Program and now the BOLD Center in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Her work supporting underrepresented students to succeed as engineering students and her high regard for the School of Education doctoral program led her to enroll in the Learning Sciences and Human Development PhD program.
I am a first-generation student and the first in my family to earn a PhD., and many in my family and my community have shared that I am an inspiration to them, and that my scholarly work has lasting impact. I stand on the shoulders of my parents, Ethel B. Davis and Ernest Davis, Sr., who did not have the educational opportunities I did. This is also true for many of the ancestors upon whose shoulders I stand today. I dedicate this award to my husband, Cedric Ennis, Sr., our children, parents, and ancestors.."
Ennis’ dissertation, “Yearning to Learn: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Black Engineering Students Deciding to Stay or Leave Engineering Majors,” grew out of her desire to center and understand Black students’ experiences in engineering. She studied Black students’ decisions to stay or leave their engineering majors at a Predominantly White Institution, revealing the complexities of why Black students choose to stay or leave. Ennis’ findings emphasize the importance of friendships with peers who lend both social and academic support. Her impressive and comprehensive research has earned her the 2022 Outstanding Graduate and Outstanding Dissertation Award by the School of Education faculty committee.
“This is a critical insight that engineering colleges can act upon, through community-building programs and interventions that help create space for supportive peer interactions,” her nominators shared. “No other study has undertaken such a comprehensive look at their experiences to develop and test conjectures of just why students stay or leave.”
Her experience in the doctoral program at CU Boulder has also benefited from the support of faculty and peers. She credits these supports, her faith, and stepping into her power with helping her through the program while balancing her career in engineering and the adversity she has faced in her academic, professional, and personal life. Not unlike the students’ experiences she documented in her research, community and support systems make all the difference.
“I had great PhD colleagues,” she said. “We enjoyed learning together and formed very strong friendships during our time together.”
In her own words
Please tell us a bit about yourself
I am from Plaquemine, Louisiana and studied electrical engineering at an HBCU, Southern University. I earned my master's degree in computer engineering from the University of Southern California. After a career in the telecommunications industry, I transitioned into teaching high school mathematics, with an emphasis on educating students of color who struggled with learning mathematics. I then began my career at CU Boulder where I directed the Engineering GoldShirt Program and the BOLD Center, supporting underrepresented students to succeed as engineering students. SOE faculty members approached me about considering the PhD program to pursue Math Education and Learning Sciences and Human Development. I chose CU Boulder for my education since I was an employee and the SOE PhD program is held in high regard and strong in educating students. I had great PhD colleagues; we enjoyed learning together and formed very strong friendships during our time together.”
What is one of the lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?
I relied heavily on my faith to carry me through adversity in my academic, professional and personal life. Life is a journey, a lifelong learning progression that is often unpredictable. I rolled with it, and I stepped into my power, and I will carry this life lesson with me for the rest of my life. Joy and Pain, like Sunshine and Rain (Frankie Beverly and Maze).”
What does graduating from CU Boulder represent for you and/or your community?
I am a first-generation student and the first in my family to earn a PhD., and many in my family and my community have shared that I am an inspiration to them, and that my scholarly work has lasting impact. I stand on the shoulders of my parents, Ethel B. Davis and Ernest Davis, Sr., who did not have the educational opportunities I did. This is also true for many of the ancestors upon whose shoulders I stand today. I dedicate this award to my husband, Cedric Ennis, Sr., our children, parents, and ancestors.”
What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
Persevere and be resilient. Be willing to learn, grow and change from the person you are when you begin college and allow your education to transform you and the world.”
What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?
I am driven to eradicate inequity and injustice in education and society today and for all future generations. I want my grandchildren and their children and their children to live in an equitable, just and loving society.”
Any closing thoughts?
I am thankful and humbled to receive this distinguished award. To God be the Glory! Thank you to my faculty advisor, Dr. Bill Penuel, and my dissertation committee members: Dr. Angela Bielefeldt, Dr. Jana Milford, Dr. Vickie Hand and Dr. Terrenda White.”
