Written by: Dr. Dustin Grabsch, Assistant Provost of Undergraduate Education & Academic Success
SMU Sophomore Princess Igwe-Icho, a member of the First-Generation Research Team, has been selected as a NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) fellow!
“I found out about the NASPA Program through Dr. Dustin Grabsch when we were doing our research project together. To be able to utilize the mentorship program and see myself in higher education was something that was so new but something I contemplated doing when coming to SMU my first year,” Princess said. “Dr. Dustin discussed his experience with the program and the individuals that were involved, which were all individuals that I found to be inspiring and who I strived to be like in the future. It only seemed like the right thing to do with all the experiences I encountered at SMU.”
The NUFP is a program that allows students to “increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and higher education” and “have opportunities for scholarships, on-campus mentorship, and professional development events.” As a fellow, Princess will have access to NASPA national and regional conferences and the ability to participate in semi-structured learning experiences.
“I can’t wait to start my mentorship program and learn more about the areas of student affairs as well as meet the individuals that make student affairs what it is. I hope that with my experience and skill set, I can offer more to NASPA and also gain skills from the program that I can utilize in my future career,” Princess said. “Furthermore, I hope to attend the leadership programs and see how intersectionality comes to play when interacting with students and within the workplace.”
Fellows and mentors apply to the program as a pair. Assistant Provost of Undergraduate Education & Academic Success, Dr. Dustin Grabsch, will be Princess’s mentor for the program. Congratulations to Princess Igwe-Icho!