VALDOSTA, GA – Valdosta State University students, Robin Searcy and Arianna Deans, have been accepted as fellows in the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP).
The mission of the fellowship program is to increase the number of underrepresented populations in the field of student affairs and college student personnel. The program aims to give fellows a more in-depth experience in the field.
“I was introduced to this program by a few of my mentors,” said Searcy. “I like the motive behind this program and the idea that possibilities and opportunities for anyone are limitless. I like that I have the opportunity to make connections with others within this group – not just professionally, but personally. Knowing that there are others who are driven by similar passions and goals is comforting. I am learning all I can about the field of student affairs and enjoying the journey along the way.”
Searcy has been a resident assistant in Hopper Hall for the past year and a half. She is also part of the Residential Curriculum Initiative (RCI) within Housing as well as a student assistant for Admissions under the Department of Social Work.
For Deans, also a resident assistant, the NUFP is the perfect mentorship program.
“I wanted a program in which I could be creative and strive for excellence and this program seems to be a great match,” said Deans. “I am passionate about student affairs and I am truly passionate about learning more through my mentor. I am hoping to learn the skills and knowledge to move forward in my career and I want to accomplish a better understanding of the field. To be a NASPA fellow means that I am one step closer to helping students. The greatest reward I could ask for in being in the NUFP program is to inspire others as others have inspired me.”
The program is a competitive program with participants from all over the United States and other participating countries. The selection process includes an application, essay questions and approval from the vice president of Student Affairs.
For more information visit http://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/professionals/nufp or contact Donald Coleman at docoleman@valdosta.edu.
Source: Valdosta State University Press Release
