FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2016

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GSC Pioneer Peers (l-r): Conner Ferguson, Morgan Allen, Jaylin Johnson, Jack Varndell, Justin Woods, Larisa Gordon, Amanda Thurm, Sam Whitlock, Angeles Burgess, Katie Benson, Jessica Layne, Cameron Woods, Desiree Payne, and Danielle Kendall (not pictured: Kaylee Howard, Rebecca Houchin, AJ Howard, Austin Broussard, Emily Walker, and Lyndsee Gay)

GLENVILLE, WV - Glenville State College has launched a new peer mentoring program to benefit the incoming freshman class. The Pioneer Peer Mentoring Program is designed to promote academic success for first year students and assist with their transition into the college experience. Mentors guide student mentees, increase their knowledge about campus resources, and encourage them to become involved in student activities, organizations, clubs, and events.

The inaugural group of Pioneer Peers applied to be a part of the program last semester and attended training sessions over the summer. The mentors are self-motivated upperclassmen, have a high level of campus involvement, and are active student leaders. Mentors and students are paired together by degree program so they can share meaningful experiences about their major and learn more about life as Pioneers.

AJ Howard at one of the Orientation Weekend events with his mentor group

Pioneer Peer Mentors for the Fall 2016 semester include: Morgan Allen, Katie Benson, Austin Broussard, Angeles Burgess, Conner Ferguson, Lyndsee Gay, AJ Howard, Kaylee Howard, Rebecca Houchin, Jaylin Johnson, Danielle Kendall, Jessica Layne, Desiree Payne, Amanda Thurm, Jack Varndell, Emily Walker, Sam Whitlock, Cameron Woods, and Justin Woods.

“This new program evolved as a result of efforts by a small group of students, staff, and faculty. I appreciate their work and the work of the mentors, which will contribute to the academic success and community engagement of our new students,” said GSC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Milan Vavrek

Amanda Thurm (right) speaks with GSC 100 instructor Dr. Marisha Lecea

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to watch this program develop. The committee worked countless hours over the summer to make sure the program was ready by the time school started in August this year. I believe the Pioneer Peer Program will be a wonderful asset to GSC and help our freshmen adjust to college life. The committee would like to thank the donors and volunteers who helped the make our launch of this program successful,” said Dr. Tara Cosco Associate Professor of Special Education and Pioneer Peer committee member.

The mentoring program is aligned with GSC 100, the First Year Experience course required of all first time freshmen.