An East Texas A&M University staff member was recently honored for her role in advocating for first-year students by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.

Sierra Jones, director of the Office of Student Transition and Support, received the center's Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates Award. She was one of just 10 recipients of this year's award, and one of only two at Texas colleges. Presented in collaboration with Penguin Random House Publishing, the award recognizes those involved in high-impact practices for first-year student success.

Tasked with the mission of supporting students as they begin their educational journey at East Texas A&M, the Office of Student Transition and Support provides students with personalized guidance, including workshops and peer mentoring programs.

Three major pillars of the office's support strategy include:

• College Life Coaches, who assist students with one-on-one coaching to formulate strategies to meet their unique needs.
• Peer Mentors, who are sophomore, junior or senior students who help new students with study skills, connect them with campus resources and help them integrate into campus life.
• Undergraduate Tutoring Services, which provides both face-to-face and online tutoring options to help students reach their full academic potential.

All of these resources serve to guide students from orientation to graduation, helping them build a strong foundation for success.

Jones has led the office since 2023. She says that this recognition also falls to the peer mentors and life coaches who interact with students on a daily basis.

“Most of this work happens behind the scenes, which is why it means so much to see it recognized. Advocacy often looks like returning emails, asking one more follow-up question, and working with staff and faculty so that no student's struggle goes unsupported,” Jones said. “I'm very lucky not to do it alone. This award belongs just as much to our College Life Coaches, Peer Mentors, and the Student Success Center team, who show up for students in ways I'm proud to witness every day.”

Dr. Ryan Erck, assistant vice provost for student success, had high praise for Jones' work as an outstanding first-year student advocate.

“Sierra is very deserving of this recognition,” Erck said. “She shows up every day for her students and her staff, and has been integral in helping move the Student Success Center and our first-year experience initiatives forward. I am proud of her for representing East Texas A&M well on the national stage through this award.”

Learn more about the Student Success Center at East Texas A&M.