Clinton School graduate Nora Bouzihay (’17) is working as an Academic Success Coach and First Year Experience Instructor in the Transition Studies Program at Arkansas State University.
Transition Studies provides ASU students with a supportive environment for their successful transition to campus and is the academic home for students whose test scores and high school GPA indicate that they should be admitted to the university, but do not fully meet the requirements for unconditional admission.
“Truthfully, we are the students’ home away from home to prepare them for college-level work by providing them extensive advising and one-on-one mentoring and coaching that provides the students a sense of self-responsibility and a successful transition to the new college environment,” Bouzihay said.
First-year international students are also a part of Transition Studies. The program provides international students with resources and assistance in navigating not only the university, but also understanding the culture of the community and region as well.
“I also was drawn into the coaching aspect of the job where I will be following the students until they graduate, even though they declare a major and find their track,” Bouzihay said. “We act as motivators to inspire the students to finish and become successful.”
Bouzihay has a variety of previous experience in education. She worked as a tutor and First-Year Experience Instructor at UA Little Rock, served as the Director of the North Little Rock Works Mentorship Program, and volunteered with the Little Rock School District.
“Students are also undecided in our program,” Bouzihay said. “As an Academic Success Coach, my duty is to coach the student to figure out what are the next steps as well as to see what is the best major for them.”
Bouzihay will complete her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at UA Little Rock in 2020. She is the owner and operator of her own online scarves boutique, NowaraCo.
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