History and Evolution of the Program

Thomas Conway and Elwood Becton created a formal mentor program for African American freshmen at NC State University. The program, which began in 1980, paired freshmen with faculty and staff who served as mentors by contacting them and offering assistance throughout their freshman year.

As a result of a 1981 campus telephone survey indicating student preference for an upper-class peer as a mentor, the program experienced a period of review and reorganization during 1981-82. Individuals instrumental in this planning and advisory process were Brenda Allen, Winser Alexander, Elwood Becton, Lawrence Clark, Thomas Conway, Bill Grant, Wandra Hill, Don Locke, Wilma Peebles, Evelyn Reiman and Gus Witherspoon, to name a few. Thus, in fall 1982, the Peer Mentor Program was born and the concept of “students helping students” became the guiding philosophy. Michael Headen and Andre Givens, graduate assistants, were the first coordinators for the program.

The Peer Mentor Program Today

Today, the Peer Mentor Program is stronger and more effective in aiding the academic, emotional, and social adjustment of not only African Americans but has transformed into a culturally affirming, student success program that serves first-year and transfer students from all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

About the Peer Mentor Program
The Peer Mentor Program is designed to create a strong network of support for first-year and transfer students at NC State from all backgrounds. As a mentee, you’ll be paired with an upper-class mentor who will offer guidance, encouragement, and resources to help you thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Our Peer Mentors are dedicated to helping first-year and transfer students make the most of their college experience and ensuring that they feel supported as they adjust to life at NC State.

How to Get Involved
If you’d like to participate in this program for the Fall and Spring semesters, please complete the interest application below by Wednesday, August 28 (end of day). We can’t wait to see you connect and be supported through the MSA Peer Mentor Program!

If you are a first-year student or transfer student interested in joining the program as a Mentee

All Are Welcome
The Peer Mentor Program and all MSA-sponsored programs and events are open and welcoming to all students from all backgrounds.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to gbell2@ncsu.edu.