Academic Success

Meet the Peer Academic Mentors

The Peer Academic Mentors (PAMs) are upper-level students who work to provide academic counseling to those wishing to enhance their study skills as well as those who are struggling academically. 

Photo of Peer Academic Mentor Team

What We Do

Mentors are a source of academic support for fellow students throughout their time at SU. We work with students to develop effective study skills and strategies on an individual basis, design and facilitate academic skills workshops, aid students in the registration process, introduce students to academic support services, and guide students through short- and long-term planning. 

Been there, done that:

The best thing about Peer Mentors is that we’re students just like you! As upper-level students we have experiences both in and out of the classroom that directly relate to whatever you are struggling with. We welcome your questions and concerns, and we will do everything we can to get you the help you need!

Who we are:
Hope Culberson
Sophomore
Economics Major

My name is Hope Culberson from Dallas, Texas. This first year as a peer academic mentor and I am looking forward to help ease the transition for incoming students. Along with studying economics and political science at Southwestern, I am also a part of the women’s lacrosse team and the Honor Code Council. A fun fact about me is that I’m a huge tea drinker! My favorite flavor is lemon and ginger. 

Schedule an appointment with Hope here!

Joshua Marquez
Sophomore
Psychology Major

Hello! My name is Joshua Marquez and I am from Leander, Texas. At Southwestern I am a member of HALO and a Peer Academic Mentor. I have lots of tips on how to adjust into college life both in finding balance and improving your productivity. A fun fact about me is that I collect and paint miniatures for board games and ttrpgs.

Schedule an appointment with Joshua here!

Davin Ratliff
Sophomore
Biology Major

Hi! My name is Davin Ratliff and I am from Brandon, MS. Here at Southwestern I am a Peer Academic Mentor, a Pirate Host, a Student Activities employee, and I am also apart of the football team as well. Some advice I would give incoming Southwestern students would be to never be scared to ask for help. A fun fact about is that I did a little theater as a kid.

Schedule an appointment with Davin here!

Mara Strohl
Junior
Psychology Major

Hi! My name is Mara Strohl and I am from Flower Mound, Texas. At Southwestern, I am involved in the Garden Club, the Honor Code Council, the Methodist bible study, and am a Peer Academic Mentor. I have lots of organizational tips! A fun fact about me is that I have visited Disney World 9 times!

Schedule an appointment with Mara here!

Riley Wolfe
Junior
Biology Major

Hey! My name is Riley Wolfe, and I am from Aledo, Texas. I am a Peer Academic Mentor, as well as the Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Kappa Sigma fraternity here at SU. Any advice I would give, especially to first years, is do not be afraid to ask questions and reach out if you’re struggling. A fun fact about me is I’m certified to scuba dive and have 30+ dives under my belt!

Schedule an appointment with Riley here!

James Yun
Senior
Biochemistry Major

An enthusiastic hello from James, hailing all the way from Killeen, TX! As a Peer Academic Mentor at Southwestern, I’m thrilled to encounter fresh faces, uplift those in need, and create a cozy atmosphere where fear has no place! In addition, I’m rocking the premed track, soaring as a Biology Education Teacher Assistant (BETA), and harmonizing pure magic with the SU orchestra. Although I have found my academic path, let us find your exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities!

Schedule an appointment with James here!