Transfer Fellows Take Next Steps on Their Journeys

Honors College advisor Judy Albakry, who is completing a Doctor of Education degree from MTSU, encouraged new Transfer Fellows with stories from her own academic journey and challenged them to “think about the pivotal moments that have shaped your academic journey so far.”

“Keep them as an image to remind you why you have chosen this path and why it matters,” she said.

The Honors College inaugurated 30 new Transfer Fellows from Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the Sept. 23 ceremony at MTSU’s Tom Jackson Building. Returning Transfer Fellows Johari Hamilton and Aaron Jollay welcomed the 2022 class, and Honors alumna Kelsey Wells played fiddle tunes prior to the inauguration.

“Find your support team. Look to your family, friends, classmates, professors, and/or staff—be open to letting them know when you are struggling, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Albakry added. “Know that these are your cheerleaders who will help you reach your goals when your inner motivation runs low, and they are waiting to celebrate with you.

“Finally, be that support for others now and for the next cohort of students who follow you.”

Transfer Fellow inauguration at the Tom H. Jackson Building

These students have varied majors from Audio Production, Biology, and Communication to Concrete Industry Management, Music, and Psychology. They come from different backgrounds and bring different life experiences to the table. The shared experience among all of these individuals is hard work, Albakry said.

The Transfer Fellowship, modeled after the Buchanan Fellowship for top incoming freshmen, offers similar opportunities to 30 transfer students to become engaged and participate in the Honors program.

To be considered for the Transfer Fellowship, students must have a 3.5 GPA and are required to have completed 60 hours of coursework from any college or university before transferring to MTSU. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

Transfer Fellows who qualify for in-state tuition are granted $3,500 per semester for up to four semesters. Three Fellowships available for transfer students from out of state or foreign countries grant $7,000 per semester for up to four semesters.