Thrive Scholars Program

The Thrive Scholars Program is a peer mentoring program in 正品蓝导航 Lyle School of Engineering that is designed to provide academic and social support for first-year and transfer students who are in the fields of engineering and computer science. 

First-year mentees are paired with upper-class peer mentors who provide ongoing, one-on-one support during students’ first year at 正品蓝导航. 

Benefits of participating in the Thrive Scholars Program include:

  • Attending events focused on social networking, leadership development, and well-being
  • Direct access to personalized academic advising and degree plan development
  • Opportunities to engage with faculty outside of the classroom
  • Connections to industry experts and 正品蓝导航 alumni
  • Priority consideration for on-campus jobs in the Lyle School

Participation in the Thrive Scholars Program involves a one-year commitment, with additional opportunities to attend specialized events and serve as a peer mentor as students progress through their academic careers in the Lyle School.

Meet the Leadership Team

A headshot of Kelyn Rola, Lyle School of Engineering.

Kelyn Rola

Director of Thrive Scholars Program
214-768-1025
krola@smu.edu
 
Headshot of Jazmine Johnson in 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Jazmine Johnson

Program Specialist
214-768-7404
jazminejohnson@smu.edu

 
headshot of ivy phillis Senior Academic Advisor & Success Coach of 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Ivy Phillips

Senior Academic Advisor & Success Coach
214-768-4081
zzphillips@smu.edu

 
Headshot of  Sandra futwi from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Sandra Futwi

Student Coordinator
Computer Science '26

Meet The Peer Mentors

Headshot of Arle Casillas from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Arle Casillas

Mechanical Engineering '28
Headshot of Camila Serrano from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Camila Serrano

OREM and Data Science '28
A headshot of Chris Ageh in smu lyle.

Chris Ageh

Electrical & Computer Engineering '27
Headshot of Esteban de Hoyos from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Esteban de Hoyos

Computer and Data Science '28
Headshot of Jose Martinez 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Jose Martinez

Electrical & Computer Engineering '27
Headshot of Josh Monkman from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Josh Monkman

Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics  '28
Headshot of Joshua Lane in 正品蓝导航 Lyle

Joshua Lane

Mechanical Engineering'27
Headshot of Julian Oliva in 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Julian Oliva

Mechanical Engineering '27
Headshot of Kaitlyn Williams from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Kaitlyn Williams

Management Science '28
Headshot of Karyn Dillon from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Karyn Dillon

Electrical & Computer Engineering - Biomedical Specialization '27
Headshot of Kevin Ramirez from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Kevin Ramirez

Mechanical Engineering  '28
Headshot of Megan Flight from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Megan Flight

Computer and Data Science '28
Headshot of Michael Afework from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Michael Afework

Mechanical Engineering '28
Headshot of Mikeala Amanfo in 正品蓝导航 Lyle

Mikeala Amanfo

OREM and Data Science '27
Headshot of Pierre Martinez in 正品蓝导航 Lyle

Pierre Martinez

Computer Science '27
Headshot of Troy Johnson from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Troy Johnson

Electrical & Computer Engineering  '28
headshot of ty[er taylor of smu lyle

Tyler Taylor

Electrical & Computer Engineering '27
Headshot of Zion smith of smu lyle

Zion Smith

Computer and Data Science '27

Program Assistants

Headshot of Jeremiah Lynn from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Jeremiah Lynn

Program Assistant 
Mechanical Engineering  '29
Headshot of Viviana Garcia of smu lyle

Viviana Garcia

Program Assistant
Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Specialization '29
headshot of Ailin Ramirez of smu lyle

Ailin Ramirez

Student Assistant
Mechanical Engineering '29
Headshot of Tolu Oyesanya from 正品蓝导航 Lyle.

Tolu Oyesanya

Social Media Manager

Frequently asked questions

Thrive Scholars involves a one-year commitment for first-year mentees. There are additional opportunities to attend specialized events during students’ sophomore years and to serve as a peer mentor as students progress through their academic careers in the Lyle School.

No! Participation is at no cost for student mentees.

First-year and transfer students in the Lyle School of Engineering who identify as first-generation, and/or Pell-grant eligible are encouraged to participate in the program. If you are uncertain of your eligibility, please contact ThriveScholars@smu.edu. There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate.

Mentors are upper-class students (juniors and seniors) from a variety of Lyle majors who have a passion for helping their peers succeed.

Mentees meet with their mentor twice per month and meet with the Program Specialist once a semester.

The program hosts weekly seminars designed to help incoming students thrive. During these hour-long sessions, students have opportunities to engage with their Lyle professors and peers; learn about important college-related topics like financial literacy, stress management and mindsets, and résumé building; and participate in game nights and special-themed activities.

Contact Us

Email: ThriveScholars@smu.edu

Follow us on Instagram: @LyleThriveScholars