Student Mentorship

Mentorship is at the core of my academic identity. I see teaching not only as the transmission of knowledge but as the cultivation of students’ intellectual growth, confidence, and sense of purpose. In every course I teach, I aim to foster students’ curiosity and critical thinking, helping them discover their academic and professional interests. I take seriously the responsibility of guiding students through pivotal moments in their intellectual and personal development, and I strive to be a mentor whose impact lasts well beyond the classroom.

This approach to mentorship is deeply informed by Xavier University of Louisiana’s mission to prepare students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. I view my role as not only helping students succeed academically, but also encouraging them to engage critically with the world around them—to think ethically, act with compassion, and commit to the promotion of a more just and humane society.

One of the ways I support student development is by creating opportunities for them to engage with the broader academic and civic community. I regularly write letters of recommendation for scholarships, fellowships, law school, and graduate programs. These letters are never routine for me—they are the product of close relationships built through meaningful engagement and mentorship.

My students often tell me that I help them discover what they are truly passionate about. I am honored when I hear that I am their favorite professor or that they look forward to taking more classes with me. Many of my current and former students remain in touch long after our courses end. We schedule Zoom meetings to discuss their life plans, current political events, or questions about graduate school and professional development. I view these conversations as a vital extension of the classroom, rooted in mutual respect and a shared investment in their growth.

I also make it a priority to assist students with their personal statements, application materials, and long-term goals. I see mentorship as a long-term commitment: while students may eventually leave the institution, they do not stop learning—and I take seriously the role I play during this formative period. It is deeply meaningful to me that many of my students continue to think of me as a teacher and mentor even after graduation.

Mentorship is not simply a service I provide; it is a central and fulfilling part of my professional life. In keeping with Xavier’s mission as a Catholic and historically Black university founded on the values of justice, service, and educational equity, I am committed to fostering a diverse, supportive, and intellectually rigorous environment. Through this work, I contribute not only to the success of individual students but also to the formation of future leaders who will carry Xavier’s values into the wider world.

Notable Mentorship Outcomes