Saundra McGuire received the bachelor’s degree from Southern University in 1970. She joined UT as a visiting instructor in chemistry and PhD candidate in chemistry education in the College of Education in 1978. In 1981–82, she served as director of UT’s Pre-Medical Enrichment Program and held a UT Alumni Association fellowship. She earned the doctorate in chemistry education in 1983.
She was named the outstanding graduate in the College of Education in 1983 and received a Chancellor’s Citation for exceptional professional promise. She then was on the faculty at Alabama A&M, followed by employment as director and senior lecturer at the Center for Academic Success at Cornell. In 2000 she joined Louisiana State University as director of academic success and associate dean of the College of General Studies.
She has extensive publications and has received numerous awards. In 2007 she and UT alumna Ann Draughon were two of the ten individuals presented Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. The presidential program, which carries a $10,000 award, is funded and managed by the National Science Foundation to identify outstanding efforts that enhance the participation of groups (i.e., women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.