Prestigious scholarship program supports representation in higher education

Vicky Grijalva ’24, a self-determined multimedia communication major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and president of the Class of 2024, received exciting news last fall that she was accepted into the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP). 

The fellowship aims to increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and higher education. It features programming, including institutes, paid summer internships, and on-campus mentoring. 

Vicky wears many hats around campus: In addition to senior class president, she is chair of the Residential Life Commission, a Thoroughbred Ambassador for Admissions, and social media marketing assistant in the Office of Communications and Marketing. 

As part of the fellowship, Vicky meets monthly with her NUFP mentor, Director of Leadership Activities Carlos Navarro, to discuss her career and higher education goals, which include completing a master’s degree in higher education.

Ángel B. Pérez ’98, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, also met with Vicky as part of the fellowship. 

“Being a part of the NUFP fellowship has been an amazing opportunity for me. I have been able to learn a lot from my mentor, Carlos Navarro, about the student affairs world. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet other NUFP fellows from all over the U.S.,” Vicky reflected. 

After graduation, Vicky will pursue her master’s degree at Boston College. She wants to continue her involvement in student affairs work and make a difference in the world of education.