NASPA selects highest-ever number of Minority Undergraduate Fellows

NASPA selects highest-ever number of Minority Undergraduate FellowsNovember 25, 2003Khaya Myers

Seven Syracuse University students have been selected to participate in the 2003-04 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program, the highest number of students ever selected at SU in one academic year. Each of the students — Imani Booker, Jessica Cordova, Jason Jackson, Maria Lopez, Diana Smith, Titilayo Soetan and Angela Woods – is from the Class of 2005.

The students’ applications were submitted by James K. Duah-Agyeman, director of student support and diversity education and director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “As we continued to receive applications for this program from our students, I was impressed not only with their academic achievement records, but also with their enthusiasm for participating in this program,” says Duah-Agyeman. “From the students I met through the application process, I am looking forward to working with them in conjunction with their mentors on outstanding and useful activities that will assist in their professional and personal development.”

NASPA’s Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program identifies talented ethnic minority undergraduate students and encourages their enrollment in graduate level programs for careers in student affairs and higher education administration. Students selected for the program participate in one-or-two-year campus-based internships or fieldwork experience under the guidance of mentors. Participants may also enroll in a Summer Leadership Institute to enhance leadership and problem-solving skills, provide networking experiences and acquaint students with current issues in student affairs and higher education. In addition, all Minority Undergraduate Fellows may participate in eight-week paid summer internships that encourage the development of future student affairs and higher education administrators.

Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs, supports SU’s participation in NASPA’s Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program. “The number of minority undergraduate fellows increases every year and this speaks to the program’s importance to students and administrators alike. I look forward to meeting and working with these outstanding students during the course of their fellowships.”