EOI Scholars History

A Legacy of Access, Leadership and Community Impact

Although the program has changed names many times over the past seven decades, the EOI Scholars program is the longest-running student support program at the University of Michigan-Flint. Our university is located downtown in Flint and has been connected to the local community schools since its inception. EOI Scholars represent the best and brightest students who choose to pursue a college education in Flint. We are proud of our heritage and our elders. The roots of our program were established in the classrooms observed by Dr. Alvin D. Loving, spread through the Students for Black Action network, and sustained by the leadership of Tendaji Ganges and many others.

Our history includes community-engaged education, grant-funded opportunities, and university-wide initiatives.

There have been many leaders who established the foundation of what you see today at UM-Flint. We honor and recognize the important contributions and pioneers who founded the Challenge Program, built the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives, and secured funding to sustain this important work.

Our Frame of Reference: Sankofa Bird

We are guided by the philosophy of the Sankofa Bird, which teaches us that we must remember the past to guide our future. We provide this historical overview so you can better understand the past, present, and future educational opportunities in Flint.

Program Timeline

1956: Classroom Observations

Dr. Alvin D. Loving, Sr., was a founding faculty member of UM-Flint and a professor of education. He was a pioneer leader in educational opportunities, often visiting K-12 classrooms in and around Flint to observe future teachers as they interacted with students in the community schools.

A group of five people in a classroom with empty desks, engaged in discussion or study.

1969: Challenge Program

Drs. Lawrence Davenport and Linda Penton launched the Challenge Program at UM-Flint in 1969 through a generous grant from the C. S. Mott Foundation. Lois Bowman, UM-Flint alumnus, coordinated a team of student volunteer tutors who would help prepare local high school students for college success.

Black and white photo of six people sitting in a classroom or lecture hall, engaged in discussion or listening.

1970s: Comprehensive Support Program

When UM-Flint moved to the downtown Flint campus, the Challenge Program was housed in the Classroom Office Building (CROB). It was located in room 237 of what is now French Hall. It shared that space with African-American and Africana Studies, Special Projects, and the campus Veteran’s Representative.

A group of five people in an office setting, with filing cabinets and a desk lamp visible. Next to this is a photo of John McCray.

1980: Student Services

UM-Flint alumni Dr. John McCray, Dr. Vernon Farmer, Joanne Shabazz, and Maria DeLeary were key personnel when the Challenge Program and other student support services moved to the third floor of the UCEN in 1980.

A black and white photo of a person in a suit and tie sitting at a desk in an office with bookshelves and a computer.

1981: African-American and Africana Studies

Dr. Benjamin Dennis, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, was appointed Chair of the A.A.A.S. (African-American and Africana Studies) program in 1981. Dr. Dennis would become Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, managing grants and programs to support marginalized students. Dr. Jemadari Kamara was appointed the next Director for A.A.A.S.

Two side-by-side images of Tessie Sharp. The left image is a black and white photo with a large afro hairstyle, while the right image shows her with short, dark hair and wearing a red polka dot shirt.

1989: Upward Bound/College Bound

Tessie Sharp appointed Ed White (internal hire) as the first Director of Upward Bound at UM-Flint. Offices were in 365 UCEN with classrooms on the third floor of MSB. When the TRiO grant was not renewed, the program was named “College Bound” (1989).

1990: Educational Outreach Programs

College Bound added the College Day Program and the Wade H. McCree, Jr. Incentive Scholarship Program, officially consolidating in 1990 to form a cohesive unit called Educational Outreach Programs in 365 UCEN (formerly the Upward Bound office).

Two men in suits exchanging a plaque or award at an indoor event.

1995: Educational Opportunity Initiatives

Chancellor Dr. Charlie Nelms recruited Tendaji Ganges to serve as the Founding Executive Director of a new office, Educational Opportunity Initiatives. Office space was designated on the second floor of the UCEN (280–292), where it remains to this day.

2026: Hub of Opportunity, Persistence and Excellence

EOI is now part of the HOPE within the Division of Student Affairs.

Our Future

Guided by the philosophy of the Sankofa bird, we acknowledge that the roots of our program originated within local K-12 classrooms. We plan to continue that approach as we work closely with Flint Community Schools, Westwood Heights (Hamady), and Beecher High School. We are excited about our relationship with K-12 Partnerships at UM-Flint as we continue to build dual-enrollment and new educational opportunities.