Showell Foundation: History

The Showell Foundation was established on March 14, 2004 under the vision and leadership of Nicole L. Showell. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine and minor in Psychology from Tennessee State University, and continuing her graduate education at Harvard University and the University of Maryland, College Park, Ms. Showell became compelled to support the advancement of minorities in the areas of higher education, especially those who elect to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Ivy League institutions. Ms. Showell not only desires to aid young people in the academic arena, but to provide support in the lives of at-risk youth. In an effort to continue her vision and better understand and help diverse populations, Ms.Showell received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary in May, 2007.

Ms. Showell speaks to an audience of educators and graduating high school seniors.

Ms. Showell and Board Member,
Dr. Kinnard share a moment
at a scholarship fundraiser
for Tennessee State University,
the alma mater of them both.

Having served as a high school teacher, community mentor, college professor, educational consultant and advisor at various HBCUs, Ms. Showell became privy to the inadequacies of the “pre-collegiate” educational system. After interacting with a bevy of students whose reading comprehension, writing dexterities, critical thinking skills, and self-esteem were below average, Ms. Showell saw the need to establish a Foundation that would cultivate and encourage students, grade school through college, to perform well in any institution of higher education. Not only does she have a passion to see young people perform well academically, she also desires to see youth embrace and utilize their gifts to become successful and productive adults and make significant and positive contributions to society.

The Showell Foundation, Inc., with the collaboration of positive individuals from various facets of higher education, corporate America, professional athletics, and members of the clergy, seeks an essential alternative approach to change through counseling, self-growth and enhancement opportunities, and career and educational programs. We seek to equip students with the necessary personal and educational tools to edify self, inspire others and their community, and to achieve academic and personal success.