AU announces second class of Augusta Promise Scholars 

Augusta University recently welcomed its second class of Augusta Promise Scholarship Program recipients. The initiative gives first-year, first-generation students the chance to graduate debt-free through financial aid and scholarships, while providing a strong support network through mentorship, leadership and academic support.

This year’s scholars are Laura Nunez-Carmona, Joshua Edmundson, Marcela Barahona-Martinez, Carl McCullar and Kensley Sheppard.

“Access and success are integral to Augusta Promise,” said Susan Davies, PhD, interim executive vice president of Strategic Effectiveness and chief of staff. “A debt-free education paired with peer mentorship, social and educational programming, faculty partners and staff resources truly allow first-generation students to thrive. Our generous donors are making dreams a reality at Augusta University, and we could not be more thankful for their investment in our students.”

The five new scholars are eager to embrace the Jaguar experience and embark on a four-year journey where they will have the opportunity to graduate with a degree in one hand and a career in the other.

Laura Nunez-Carmona

From Alpharetta, Georgia, Nunez-Carmona graduated from Milton High School and is majoring in cell and molecular biology. She first connected with Augusta University on a campus tour with the 1828 Ambassadors, who expressed genuine interest and passion in their studies.

She looks forward to exploring different fields of research – potentially focused on food deserts and food swamps and their association with obesity-related cancer mortality – while also building up a sense of belonging with a research team.

“I like to learn about different perspectives and people,” said Nunez-Carmona. “I want to be a doctor specializing in oncology, so I’ll have to connect with people. My passion for this really comes from when my sister was young and was diagnosed with cancer. She is now in full recovery, but when it happened, it opened my eyes and made me want to learn more.”

Nunez-Carmona admitted that she almost let her nerves get the better of her, recalling that she submitted her application to the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program on the deadline’s last day. She is grateful to be named a recipient and knows that the start-to-finish support system will help guide her through the AU journey.

Joshua Edmundson

Edmundson, from Conyers, Georgia, graduated from Heritage High School and is majoring in neuroscience. Encouraged by his father to apply, Edmundson realized AU was the perfect fit after visiting campus and experiencing a perfect blend of friendliness, community and prestige.

“I know that college would be difficult on my own, and I’m appreciative of the support that I’m blessed to have with the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program,” said Edmundson. “I look forward to making new connections and joining clubs. I was told that connections made in college are important for a successful career and can last a lifetime.”

He looks forward to the program’s wealth of resources and the insight to be gained from a mentor, who will help him navigate unfamiliar territory as a first-generation college student.

“I am honored to be a recipient,” he said. “I am thankful for this opportunity, and I promise to make it worthwhile for everyone behind this program.”

Marcela Barahona-Martinez

Barahona-Martinez is from Lawrenceville, Georgia, and graduated from Discovery High School. As a biology major, she was drawn to Augusta University for its ties to the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University as she aspires to become a pediatrician.

Barahona-Martinez applied to the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program for its robust support system, financial help and mentorship. With her sights set on completing a bachelor’s degree and pursuing medical school, the scholarship eases her financial worries and opens the door to opportunities like extracurriculars. She is especially excited to connect with classmates and join the Biology Club.

“Joining the scholar program feels like joining a family,” Barahona-Martinez said. “Our mentors are like parents guiding us, and it reminds me of the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Its mentors are raising the next generation of mentors, and that really aligns with my goal to become a pediatrician, where I can help and care for others.”

Carl McCullar

From Hazlehurst, Georgia, McCullar graduated from Jeff Davis High School and is majoring in biology. He knew that AU was the right choice after an eye-opening orientation session that showed many opportunities for research and internships.

“As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a college experience, so I wanted to find a group that could help me perform my best here at Augusta,” said McCullar. “The program gives me the chance to be the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university debt-free.”

McCullar looks forward to taking advanced science courses and participating in field work. He wants to get out of his comfort zone and explore volunteer options, get involved with student organizations and spend time with friends.

“It’s an honor,” said McCullar. “It’s great to get to be an early member of the program and that my experiences can and will help make an already great program better for future cohorts.”

Kensley Sheppard

Local to the CSRA, Sheppard is from Evans, Georgia, where she graduated from Lakeside High School. With a major in kinesiology, she knows that AU’s top-rated health care programs will set her up for success on the way to becoming a health care professional.

Initially hesitant to pursue a four-year degree due to costs, Sheppard was relieved when she was named a scholar, knowing she would have access to support, assistance and guidance.

“I really hope to gain new leadership skills and get more involved,” she said. “I enjoy helping people and being a mentor; however, I am not the best at going about it. The program will help me meet new people and open new opportunities for the future. I feel very honored and grateful to be a part of an incredible new program and help shape it for new scholars long after me.”

Sheppard is most excited about upcoming campus events and making new friends. She feels as if college is a chance to embrace a new version of herself and is ready to begin this next chapter.

Expanding first-gen support

Housed within Multicultural Student Engagement, the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program supports first-generation college students as they embark on a new and sometimes daunting journey.

“While a student may be aware of a certain resource or office like Financial Aid, Academic Advisement or Housing and Residence Life, we purposefully connect those bridges and resources for the students,” said Sierra Sasha Webber, MSE program coordinator. “We provide those connections intentionally, so our students don’t feel lost and have a better sense of belonging here at Augusta University.”

A sense of belonging is vital for college students to thrive. Networking, mentorship and engagement not only encourage persistence but also lead to higher retention throughout their four years. To build upon these efforts, Shareen Clement, EdD, director of MSE, reviewed the first cohort’s experience to identify ways to strengthen connections and better support future scholars.

“Two significant changes were to the retreat and faculty mentorship,” said Clement. “Last year, Augusta Promise had a retreat after the start of classes, but this year, we included them in the retreat before classes started with the two other mentorship programs in our office. This allowed for expanded community building with peers inside and outside the program while ensuring that the retreat was expansive and effective. We also were able to begin faculty mentor pairing much earlier, and many have already had individual meetings.”

As the scholarship grows, Webber and Clement will continue to implement student feedback to foster growth.

“I am always most excited to see students succeed holistically, meaning academically and socially, while also maintaining their physical and mental health,” said Clement. “It always warms my heart when I see our scholars stepping up as leaders across campus, and I can’t wait to see this new cohort step into their purpose. I think it aids in that success by providing a team of staff and peers that encourage the scholars while coaching them to their success.”

Donations to support the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program can be made through AU’s Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and the Augusta Promise Scholarship Program’s fund page.