Mentoring as a Meta-HIP: Supporting Success for Every Student in Changing Higher Education Contexts

Azul Bellot is a 2023-2026 CEL Student Scholar, majoring in psychology and linguistics at Elon University. As a member of the university’s Odyssey Program, Azul has been given an opportunity to pursue higher education as a first-generation student while developing skills and the knowledge to help her out throughout higher education and life outside university. As a CEL Student Scholar, she provides a student perspective on a three-year research seminar on Mentoring Meaningful Learning Experiences.  

Ashley Finley is the Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). She was previously the senior director of assessment and research at AAC&U and also national evaluator for the Bringing Theory to Practice Project. Most recently she served as the associate vice president for academic affairs & dean of the Dominican Experience at Dominican University of California, where she implemented a comprehensive framework for student learning and success centered around high-impact practices, including holistic advising and ePortfolios. She has published a number of articles, book chapters, and monographs, including Assessing Underserved Students’ Engagement in High-impact Practices (with co-author Tia McNair), Civic Learning and Teaching, and “Well-Being: An Essential Outcome for Higher Education.”

Tiffanie Grant is a 2023-2026 CEL Student Scholar, majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology at Elon University. Recognized as an Odyssey Scholar and recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, Tiffanie is deeply committed to academic excellence. Engaged as a proactive Student Scholar for the Center of Engaged Learning, she actively fosters innovation and collaboration. Through this program, she hones valuable skills and knowledge crucial for her academic journey and beyond. Moreover, Tiffanie’s role as a Center for Engaged Learning Student Scholar offers a unique opportunity to provide a student perspective on a three-year research seminar focused on Mentoring Meaningful Learning Experiences. Her commitment to equitable practices and advocacy efforts reflects her diligent and exemplary leadership within the college community. Passionate about equitable healthcare practices, Tiffanie seeks to make a meaningful impact by advocating for inclusive healthcare practices and mentorship initiatives.

Titch Madzima is Associate Professor and Chair of Exercise Science at Elon University. He routinely mentors undergraduate research, has collaborated on multiple diversity and inclusion grant projects to support curricular and co-curricular innovations, and was recognized with the Elon College, the College of Arts & Sciences, Excellence in Teaching award in 2021. His disciplinary research involves investigating the efficacy of exercise and dietary interventions to counteract the physical and psychosocial adverse effects of both cancer and cancer therapies.

Sabrina Thurman is Associate Professor of Psychology at Elon University. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, she is highly invested in working to increase access to higher education opportunities for historically underserved or excluded persons. She is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that build belonging, while maintaining a strong sense of personal identity, and that improve experiences for all people of varied intersecting identities. She currently serves as Co-Supervisor for First Phoenix: A First-Generation Student Peer Mentoring Program. Her disciplinary research focuses on infant motor development.