05/27/2016
BATON ROUGE – LSU University College’s Student Support Services graduates exceptional
students for May 2016.
“It is with great pride that University College acknowledges the 2016 spring semester graduates who have been participants in our Student Support Services program,” says R. Paul Ivey, executive director of LSU University College. “This federally funded retention effort has been a long-standing success story at LSU with graduation rates as high at 77 percent, oftentimes exceeding the graduation rates for the overall student enrollment at LSU.”
“Student Support Services has been such a blessing throughout my four years at LSU,” said Natalie Adele Ferrill. “The advisors were always there to encourage and support, whether it be with scheduling classes or just giving me advice. My college experience would not have been the same without Student Support Services. I will miss it and the individuals who helped me succeed.”
Rachel Ducote echoed Ferrill’s statement, “Student Support Services made the transition from high school to college easy, and provided me with everything I could’ve needed to succeed in college. I am very thankful for the SSS staff for being there whenever I needed them.”
Paris Scott continued, “Student Support Services was a great and necessary experience for me. The staff treated me like family and my SSS peers are also like family. I am very grateful for all of the workshops and off-campus activities I have had the opportunity to partake in because of this instrumental program.”
University College and Student Support Services salutes the following Spring 2016 graduates.
Paisley Cne’ Balthazar graduated in psychology from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Paisley, daughter of Alexander Balthazar and Davina Brown, is a graduate of Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans, La. She is a member of Dialogue on Race at LSU.
Keiquantyana Bibbins graduated in sociology with a minor in psychology from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Keiquantyana, daughter of Trellis Van Norman, is a graduate of Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans, La. She is a member of Student Activities Board at LSU.
Austina Coolman graduated in biological sciences with a minor in chemistry from the College of Science. Austina, daughter of Rodney and Genevieve Coolman, is a graduate of Rayne High School in Rayne, La. She is a member of 13 Program at LSU.
Rachel Ducote graduated in psychology with a minor in social work from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Rachel, daughter of David and Elizabeth Ducote, is a graduate of Archbishop Chapelle High School in Metairie, La. She is a member of LSU Psychology Club, Psi Chi-Vice President and LSU Upward Bound Mentor.
David Ealy Jr. graduated in biological sciences with a minor in leadership development from the College of Science. David, son of David and Rita Ealy, is a graduate of French Settlement High School in French Settlement, La. He is a member of Minority Science Pre-Professional Society, Physician Assistant Collegiate Society and Global Brigades Medical Chapter at LSU.
Natalie Adele Ferrill graduated in psychology with a minor in sociology & communication studies from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Natalie, daughter of Kirk and Celeste Ferrill, is a graduate of Katy High School in Katy, Texas. She is a member of the Psychology Club, Sociology Society, Pi Beta Phi Sorority and GEAUX Lead 2015.
Taylor Michelle LeDuff graduated in marketing from E. J. Ourso College of Business. Taylor, daughter of Linda Douglas, is a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans, La.
Carrie Martinez graduated in international studies with concentration in environmental & development & Latin America and with a minor in English from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Carrie, daughter of Annette Ducote, is a graduate of Chalmette High School in Chalmette, La. She is a member of Phi Sigma Phi National Honors Fraternity, International Studies Society, Academic Programs Abroad Peer Advisor, Women’s Center Administrative Specialist: Team Leader’s Leader and National Society of Leadership & Success.
MyTrang Nguyen graduated in communication disorders with a minor in social work from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. MyTrang, daughter of Linh and Lanh Nguyen, is a graduate of Slidell High School in Slidell, La. She is a member of LSU Ambassadors.
Vaydell Arthel Price graduated in kinesiology with a concentration in human movement from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Vaydell, daughter of Arthur Price and Vadell Lagarde, is a graduate of Cabrini High in New Orleans, La. She is a member of Pre-Dental Society, Student Activity Board, Minority Sciences Pre Professional Society, and Kinesiology Club.
Kimberly Shmidt graduated in communication disorders from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Kimberly, daughter of John and Monica Shmidt, is a graduate of C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, La. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Dance Marathon and Refuge 7:37.
Paris Scott graduatd in mathematics from the College of Science. Paris, son of Terrence Harris and Schwann Scott-Harris, is a graduate of Warren Easton Senior High School in New Orleans, La. He is a member of GeauxTeach Student Organization.
Breanna Deshea Wells graduated in kinesiology with a minor in psychology from the College of Human Sciences & Education. Breanna, daughter of Tyrone and Valarie Wells, is a graduate of Hammond High School in Hammond, La.
Since 1933, LSU University College has served as the portal of entry for students enrolled at LSU. Academic and personal success is the hallmark of a well-rounded student, and University College provides a foundation of support services for students beginning their academic careers at LSU. University College has two enrollment divisions: The Center for Freshman Year and The Center for Advising and Counseling. Additionally, University College offers retention-specific programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars, and Summer Scholars, and hosts Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society rewarding first-collegiate-year scholarship. These academic support programs focus on particular student populations and are a significant part of the role and mission of University College.
Since 1978, Student Support Services’ vision has always focused on increasing retention and graduation rates for disadvantaged students as identified in the Higher Education Act of 1965 Revised. This five-year federal grant (2015-2020), providing over $336,000 per year, will serve hundreds of low-income, first generation, or students with disabilities who have an academic need for support. SSS participants are provided tutoring; academic, personal, and career advising; financial aid and economic literacy counseling; assistance with transition to graduate programs; exposure to cultural activities; and academic programs not typically available to disadvantage students.
For more information on LSU University College, visit uc.lsu.edu or follow the conversation at www.facebook.com/LSU.UniversityCollege.
Contact Jacquelyn Schulz Craddock
LSU University College
225-578-5342
jcraddock@lsu.edu
or
Ernie Ballard
LSU Media Relations
225-578-5685
eballa1@lsu.edu