14 Selected As Peer Counselors

2004 Peer Counselors

March 15, 2004 -- Jacksonville State University's Office of Student Life recently selected 14 students to serve as 2004 Peer Counselors.

The Orientation Team is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the first-year experience with these students serving as role models, mentors, and friends to the incoming students. Every year, these 14 students are chosen to make up the team that helps students make the transitional adjustment into college life.

Peer Coordinators for the 2004 Orientation Team are Misty Cassell, a senior communication major from Anniston, and Tim King, a senior art major from Jacksonville.

This year's 2004 Peer Counselors are: Jessica Bobo, a senior nursing major from Tuscaloosa; Shelley Capes, a senior family and consumer science major from Wedowee; Angela Estes, a junior communication major from Gadsden; Andrew Green, a junior geography major from Anniston; Dayton Niehuss, a senior political science major from Foley; Alison Pierce, a junior marketing major from Boaz; Marshonntri Reid, a junior family and consumer science education major from West Point, GA; Kenny Reighard, a junior biology major from Anniston; Mardracus Russell, a junior music and history major from Dadeville; Casie Sanders, a junior biology major from Alexandria; Brian Snead, a junior marketing major from Centre; and Emily Williams, a junior English major from Hokes Bluff.

During the summer orientation sessions, held during July and August, the Peer Counselors familiarize new students with campus through skits, one-on-one conversations, and other experiences that help make positive first memories of their college career.

Terry Casey, director of Student Life and coordinator of the program, said, "The one-on-one attention that new students receive during orientation is very beneficial to their success at JSU. The Peer Counselors and Faculty Mentors assist students in learning the foundation of campus life and assist with learning skills necessary to be successful during the transition period from high school, or community college, to JSU."

Jacksonville State University began its freshman orientation program back in 1988. The orientation program has been a major factor in the success of freshmen retention at JSU.

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