CONECT Builds Connections, Community, Confidence, and Future Success for Mentors and Mentees
Feb. 14, 2025
By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences
When Jamaia Daugherty came to UofL as a freshman in 2015 from Winchester, KY, she initially felt lost in a large university setting in a new, big city.
Homesick and unsure of what to do next, she was able to build a new sense of community through the peer mentoring program CONECT (Caring of New Students Experiencing College Transition), which allowed her to focus on her education and career goals. Today, she is a teacher at Grace James Academy of Excellence.
“The mentors are not just mentors; they are presidents of other Recognized Student Organizations, involved in extra-curriculars and sports, and help out in the community on top of excelling in their academics,” Daugherty said. “They encouraged me to get involved, attend their events, and participate in their organization’s activities, which allowed me to meet so many new people I am still close to today.”
Daugherty graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and returned to earn a master’s degree in teaching, proving that building community connections and peer support can make a difference in creating feelings of belonging on campus for incoming African American freshmen.
“I met my ‘people’ and found my place at UofL, and it all began with getting involved with the CONECT peer mentoring program,” Daugherty said.
This alumna’s story exemplifies why Tomarra Adams, former Assistant Dean of Advising, created this particular peer mentoring program for incoming African American freshmen in 1998, giving students the chance to anchor themselves in their educations, campus involvement, and the chance to invest in each other.
In 2025, the far-reaching impacts of Adams’s idea turned into action continues as the CONECT program has 27 engaged mentors this year.
“Her research showed that African American students experience loneliness and alienation coming to a predominantly white institution, so she created this program to create an environment where they felt a sense of belonging.” said Karla Morton, Administrative Associate and CONECT Peer Mentoring Program Primary Coordinator. “A peer mentor helps them throughout this process of their experience on campus and hopes for their persistence to graduation. For freshmen, it gives them the sense that, ‘Yes, I can continue this. I don't feel like I'm the only one here.’”
Upper class mentors must have at least a 2.5 GPA and have to have finished at least their freshman year in order to lead. They connect with their incoming mentees during freshman orientation. All participating mentees are freshman.
To get started each year, mentors write letters to potential mentees about their interests and areas of study. They attach photos of themselves to their letters, which are then given to incoming freshmen. Mentees and mentors are then matched based on shared majors and interests to provide maximum educational support, social support, and access to campus resources.
ShaNiah Bridges, a third-year nursing student and Porter Scholar, had such a positive experience as a mentee that she decided to become a mentor as she progressed in her studies.
“During my freshman year at UofL, I benefited from guidance and encouragement from my CONECT peer mentor who helped me navigate challenges, build confidence, and find my place within the university community. This experience inspired me to do the same for others,” Bridges said. “Through mentoring, I have developed stronger leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while also gaining a deeper understanding of different perspectives. It has been incredibly fulfilling to watch my mentees grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.”
Morton said CONECT also aims to create campus-wide events that are open to all to continue the goal of creating that deeper sense of community.
“We are creating that space for all students to enjoy our events and our resources if they need us, and that's from connecting with students in the classroom, connecting with students in their mentee circle, and connecting with students organically at our events,” Morton said. “We also collaborate with other organizations to create that constant infinity circle. We want to make sure that all students still feel engaged, seen, and heard while they're on campus.”
Jaidyn Logan, a senior majoring in Marketing, said one of the most rewarding aspects of being a mentor is making sure students take advantage of all of the resources available to them at UofL.
“The most valuable piece of advice I give to my mentees and any freshman I come across is to familiarize themselves with every resource available on campus, whether digital or physical,” Logan said. “Whether your goal in college is to network or graduate, you’re paying to be here—so take advantage of everything. The money will be spent whether you use those resources or not.”
Getting involved in CONECT has also provided Logan with a stronger sense of community among her peers while also helping to advance her own professional development.
“Being a CONECT mentor has significantly impacted my personal, academic, and professional life due to the roles and responsibilities that come with the position,” Logan said. “Mentoring freshmen gives you a 'momma bear' complex where you feel a strong urge to protect your baby cubs; your mentees. It enhances your time management, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, making you much more resourceful as a CONECT Mentor.”
For more information, contact Karla Morton by clicking here.
