Markita Briggs

Assistant Director, Tartan Scholars Program

Bio

Markita Briggs began her tenure as the Assistant Director of the Tartan Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University in August 2023. In her role, Markita acts as the initial point of contact for day-to-day programming and oversees the Tartan Scholars Ambassadors, a group of peer student leaders that support first-year students' transition to campus and program-wide events. Additionally, she works closely with the Director on the development of the comprehensive four-year Tartan Scholars experience for over 400 high-achieving students from backgrounds historically excluded from elite higher education institutions. Markita garnered a depth and breadth of experience in academic persistence and success of marginalized students in both higher and secondary education throughout her career. She joined the Carnegie Mellon community after finishing her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism (Strategic Communication) from Ohio University.

In her spare time, Markita enjoys baking, trying new local food establishments, listening to a wide-range of music, and attending a variety of festivals and community events.

A surprising thing about me: I played piano for almost half of my childhood. 

My favorite quote: "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created."

My favorite song: I love anything by Victoria Monet.

My favorite movie: Too many to name!

My favorite place in Pittsburgh: I'm still exploring, but it's probably a tie between East Liberty and the Strip District.

I'm a fan of...: Anything Ohio-related, fairs, ice cream, sports documentaries, and Whitney Houston!