The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition
is proud to honor undergraduate students for their work on behalf of first-year students
and the impact their efforts make on the students and cultures of their institutions.
Each year with our partners at DIA Higher Education Collaborators, we recognize up
to five students with the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Fellowship and celebrate them
at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience.
The recipients of the 2024-25 fellowships are:
Chauncy Betts
Arkansas State University
Chauncy Betts is a sophomore student at Arkansas State University from McGehee, Arkansas.
Betts is studying business and communications. Aiming to make campus life inclusive
and exciting for all, he has immersed himself in various activities, including serving
as a resident assistant in a freshman dorm, a Multicultural Center Ambassador, a high school recruiter, and a senator for
the Student Government Association. As a first-generation college student, Betts understands
the challenges that come with this experience. In his various roles, Betts has guided
numerous first-year students in joining Christian communities, brother and sisterhoods, as well as leadership positions, while also mentoring them to navigate
all aspects of college life. Betts strives to empower students to make an impact on
campus, just as he has and will continue to do.
Brock McHood
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Brock McHood is a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) majoring in
Aeronautical Science with a minor in Air Traffic Management. His peer mentorship experience
dates back to his sophomore year at Cherry Creek High School, where he was a peer
leader for the Creek Adventure Program, an experiential education course designed
for high school students. Brock’s leadership journey continues at ERAU, where he serves
as a Campus Academic Mentor (CAM), providing peer support and instruction in a University
Success course. Additionally, Brock serves as the Administrative CAM, contributing
to the redesign of ERAU’s University Success course. He is passionate about enhancing
students’ sense of belonging through meaningful peer mentorship during their first
year.
After graduation, Brock intends to continue his mentorship journey as a flight instructor
and later plans to transition to a career as a commercial airline pilot.
Grace Prince
Furman University
Grace Prince is a Senior at Furman University, from Toms River, New Jersey. She is
majoring in Sociology, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, and minoring in Poverty
Studies. Prince is president of Furman’s First-Generation Student Alliance, a Hearst
Fellow, and The Academic Advising Committee Student Representative. Not to mention,
she is a 2nd year Peer Mentor for Furman’s National Award Winning Pathways Program®.
After graduation in May 2025, she aims to attend law school and obtain a degree in
law to help advocate for marginalized communities.
Karis Sustar
University of North Carolina - Greensboro
Karis Sustar is a senior Hospitality & Tourism Major at UNC Greensboro. She is from
Niger, West Africa but now lives in Greensboro, NC. Karis has been working with first
year students for three years as a Peer Academic Leader. She has become passionate
about helping students from all walks of life adjust to college well. In addition to being a Peer Academic Leader, Karis is involved
in several honors societies, runs her own business, and is in an accelerated MBA program.
After graduation, Karis is looking forward to finishing her MBA and going on to law
school where she plans to continue to use her skills to advocate for others.