Expanded Alumni Mentoring Program Providing Meaningful Career Support for Students

When graduate student Judith Amuah signed up for the College of Education and Health Professions' Alumni Mentoring Program, she wasn't sure what the experience would hold.

Just one semester later, Amuah has already seen the benefits of getting involved with AMP.

"I love my mentor," Amuah said. "Because of her, I have secured a place to do my practicum when the time arrives. She has educated me on counseling associations to join, what my CV should look like and supported my professional growth."

Amuah's mentor, Susana Bloomdahl, echoed her positive assessment of the program, calling it "a pleasure" to support her and her career growth.

Amuah and Bloomdahl's mentoring relationship is the product of a newly revamped Alumni Mentoring Program, one that has expanded its pathways for students in the college to receive valuable career support.

AMP was first launched in the fall 2024 semester as an action item of the college's WE CARE strategic plan. The program is designed to foster meaningful connections between alumni and students, allowing students to gain real-world career insights while also strengthening alumni bonds to the college.

Director of Career Initiatives Mary Keith said a primary goal of the program's redesign was to make the experience more impactful for both mentors and mentees.

"I wanted to be very intentional in revamping AMP, with a focus on adding enough structure to support meaningful career conversations while still allowing flexibility as student needs evolve," she said.

Starting with the fall 2025 semester, AMP transitioned to a cohort model that follows a six-week cycle, providing consistent relationship-building opportunities between mentors and mentees. Each weekly check-in is built around a theme designed to guide mentors and mentees through a successful dialogue that sets students up for long-term success. 

"I have really enjoyed my time being involved with the mentor program so far," said Amelia Wolz, a freshman exercise science student. "One thing that is going well for me is that I have gotten connected with athletic trainers that my mentor knows, and I am shadowing one of them."

AMP offers multiple pathways for engagement, both for mentors and mentees, including career conversations, coffee chats, panels and more. These events provide participants with unique ways to connect beyond traditional one-on-one mentoring.

Jessica Harris graduated from the college in 2013 and now serves as a department chair and associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness at SUNY Oswego. She recently decided to give back and connect with public health students by sharing her experiences in the field during a virtual career panel hosted by AMP.

"What an incredible experience to connect with current students, share my journey in health promotion and wellness, and discuss the many meaningful paths available in the field of public health," Harris shared in a social media post. "It's always inspiring to see the next generation of Razorbacks ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond."

This spring semester, AMP plans to host several additional events to engage both students and mentors. Professional development days with the college's Public Health and Nursing programs, an alumni networking event and featured guest speakers are all dynamic ways AMP plans to connect with program participants.

"This design was centered on supporting our students while also giving mentors the tools and confidence to engage in ways that feel natural," Keith said. "Our alumni may not always realize how prepared they are to guide students, but they bring a tremendous amount of real-world experience and insight. I've been incredibly encouraged by the response and am excited to see how AMP continues to grow."

As AMP's new model carries over into its second semester, the goal is to create more powerful bonds like the one between Amuah and Bloomdahl.

"I've learned so many things, and these are things that will help me going forward in looking for a job and in my career," Amuah said. "I have not just a mentor for life, but I also have a friend."

AMP is currently recruiting students and mentors for its spring cohort. Applications close Feb. 2, with one-on-one mentoring starting March 2.

To learn more about how to get involved either as an alumni mentor or as a student mentee, visit the AMP website or email ampcoehp@uark.edu.