A new one-on-one mentor match program aims to foster holistic development, community engagement and academic success in the College of Liberal Arts.
Introducing the program
The College of Liberal Arts at Wright State University is launching an innovative mentoring initiative designed to help first-year students transition successfully into college life. Coordinated by Jessica Barnett, the program pairs freshmen with advanced students, faculty or staff mentors to provide guidance, community connection and holistic support.
The program kick-off will took place on Friday, Sept. 19 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Allyn Hall Lounge, where students met their mentors and learned more about the resources available to them. The inaugural cohort includes 25–26 mentees, each matched one-on-one with a mentor selected to complement their academic and personal interests.
Mission, vision and values
The program is guided by a clear mission and vision that emphasizes both personal and professional growth.
According to the official mission, it is: "To support students’ holistic development, emphasizing professional readiness, personal growth, and community engagement."
The major values of the program are belonging, engaging and flourishing: Every CoLA major belongs in this college and its community, and involvement can enrich us, both as individuals and collectively.
Together, mentors and mentees can thrive together, intellectually, socially and even economically.
The program is supported by a dedicated leadership team:
- Program Coordinator: Jessica Barnett, faculty;
- Networking & Event Specialist: Liam Anderson, faculty;
- Data & Assessment Manager: Carlos Costa, faculty; and
- CoLA Director of Enrollment Management and Community Engagement: Becca Webb, staff.
A program built for success
The mentoring initiative began as a student-proposed, evidence-based program within the College of Liberal Arts. Research shows that students who participate in mentoring programs are more likely to graduate, achieve higher GPAs and feel a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
Barnett highlighted the one-on-one nature of the program, emphasizing its mentee-centered approach.
“College can feel overwhelming for first-year students,” she said. “This program is designed to provide guidance, build confidence, and create meaningful connections that support academic success and personal well-being. We are all part of community engagement, and mentors help bring that to life," Barnett said.
Mentors—including upperclassmen, faculty and staff—will meet regularly with mentees to discuss academics, campus involvement and personal growth. With the first cohort already matched, the program plans to recruit additional mentors in Spring 2026 to work with the next group of 26–27 mentees.
Interested students and staff can apply online here.
Barnett encouraged students to attend the kick-off event:
“This is the perfect opportunity for mentees to meet their mentors, ask questions and start building a supportive network that can last throughout their college experience," Barnett explained.
Looking ahead
With its inaugural cohort now enrolled, the CoLA looks forward to seeing the impact of these mentor-mentee relationships on students’ academic, personal and professional growth. The program exemplifies the college’s commitment to fostering a supportive community where every student can belong, engage and flourish.
As the college continues to expand the program, with new mentor recruitment planned for Spring 2026, first-year students have an exciting opportunity to build meaningful connections, access guidance from experienced mentors and thrive in a campus environment designed for their success.
Barnett emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: “This program is more than guidance—it’s about creating a network of support that empowers students to navigate college with confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Together, we are shaping a thriving community of learners.”
