The Rackham Network
By the Numbers
While the Rackham experience is rooted here in Michigan, its partners span the globe, creating a network of support for Rackham students and alumni alike. 2,428 master’s and 783 doctoral degrees were conferred in the 2020-21 academic year, adding to the vast network of 120,000+ living Rackham alumni in 161 different countries.
Barbour Scholar and Business Owner
Former engineer and Barbour Scholar alumna Preeti Bansal Kshirsagar (M.P.H. ‘15) has created space for herself in the healthcare field. Now a dietitian-nutritionist with extensive training in integrative and functional medicine, Preeti runs a successful wellness practice focused on research-based holistic health. She shares how her experience at Rackham and the support of her community helped with the transition.
I feel that Rackham Graduate School is a lifetime connection for us, just like our own family, so forge strong bonds while you’re still in school and do not hesitate to fall back on them in the future.
Preeti Bansal Kshirsagar
A Valuable Partnership
ProQuest’s link to the University of Michigan goes back to its founding in 1938—originally as University Microfilms—by M.B.A. graduate Eugene Power. In more recent decades, ProQuest LLC has grown not only as a leader in the education and technology space, but as a key philanthropic partner with the Rackham Graduate School, supporting graduate scholars in myriad ways, most notably through the ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Awards. With more than 300 recipients since its inception, this award recognizes doctoral graduates who have produced exceptional dissertations of outstanding scholarly quality in any field of study. Beyond this prestigious award, ProQuest’s support extends to funding for emergency grants, mentorship recognition, and relief during the writing process.
In addition to financial support, ProQuest has served as a valuable partner in preparing Rackham students for the future. For example, in a since-evolved internship program, ProQuest hosted 10 graduate students as subject matter experts—roles in which they could apply their expertise in tangible ways. Moreover, Chief Technology Officer, Roger Valade, is an inaugural member of Rackham’s Career Pathways Council, a committee focused on advancing graduate students’ exposure to diverse career options.
Thank you to partners like ProQuest for joining us as we encourage and reward excellence in graduate scholarship.
Mentor Rackham’s Promising Scholars
Graduate students at U-M directly benefit from the expansive Rackham network on Rackham Connect, where they complete a profile and reach out to alumni users based on criteria like academic program, industry experience, and location.
Mentor Rackham students and connect with fellow alumni by creating your profile today.