We are thrilled to announce that Ryan Finner, a dedicated and passionate student, has been accepted into the Master of Arts program in Critical Ethnic Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.
Ryan, a first-generation college student, will be graduating in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies (Interdisciplinary Studies), as well as minors in Anthropology and Psychology. Throughout his undergraduate career, Ryan has been known for his commitment to academic excellence and for uplifting marginalized communities. As an Academic Coach at PLUS, Ryan has worked tirelessly to foster inclusive and supportive spaces for students from all backgrounds.
This summer, Ryan conducted research on how multilingual college students navigate academic spaces, further demonstrating their dedication to understanding the complexities of identity and education. Currently, Ryan’s research draws on a DuBosian perspective to explore how Black communities in Chicago are revitalizing cultural spaces in the face of gentrification. Ryan’s broader research interests include race and ethnicity, social inequalities, housing policy, environmental justice, and urban sociology.
Ryan aspires to become a university professor, with the goal of shaping inclusive policies through community-driven approaches. His acceptance into DePaul’s Critical Ethnic Studies program marks an important milestone on this journey, and we are confident that Ryan will continue to make a meaningful impact in both academic and community settings.
Congratulations to Ryan on this outstanding achievement! Great job, Ryan!
For more visit: https://inside.ewu.edu/mcnair/ryan-finner/
