By: Beth Anne Johnson

At the heart of the PEER & WISE community is Levi Roach, our Outreach and Operations Manager, whose passion for student success drives everything he does. Whether he’s planning outreach events for future Tigers or supporting the tutors who guide students through their Clemson journey, Levi is committed to helping students thrive in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS).

With a background in student programming and outreach, Levi knows that outreach isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about planting seeds of possibility. Through programs like STEM Day and S.E.E Clemson, Levi believes outreach is essential to recruitment because it shows students that there’s a place for them in STEM — and at Clemson.

“When students see themselves on campus early on, it shifts their mindset — they start to see Clemson as a place where they can be a member of the Clemson Family,” Levi says.
But Levi’s impact doesn’t stop at recruitment — he’s also a dedicated leader to the PEER & WISE tutors and office workers, supporting them as they provide academic guidance to their peers. From training sessions to one-on-one mentorship, Levi is always ready to empower tutors as they grow in their own leadership.

“Tutors and office workers are the backbone of the PEER & WISE experience,” Levi shares. “I’m here to support them so they can support others.”

Whether you’re a first-year student looking for help with a class or someone interested in getting involved with outreach, Levi wants to meet you! Stop by Freeman 158 and introduce yourself — he’s always ready to help you navigate your Clemson journey.

#ClemsonPEERWISE #CECASCommunity #OutreachInSTEM #PeerTutoring #FutureEngineers

By: Beth Anne Johnson

At Clemson, success isn’t just about making the grade—it’s about finding a path that challenges and inspires you. Jynaia Thomas, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, knows this firsthand. Hailing from Columbia, SC, she has spent the past four years pushing boundaries, solving complex problems, and embracing the growth that comes with every challenge.

Her advice? “If whatever you’re studying in school is hard, always give yourself grace and have patience. You got this.”

Jynaia understands that perseverance is key, but so is self-compassion. Engineering is demanding, but she’s learned that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, learning, and moving forward, one step at a time.

“Sometimes we’re our own toughest critics,” she shares. “But I’ve realized that growth happens when you allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing better than you think.”

When she’s not deep into her studies, Jynaia is committed to helping others navigate their own journeys. Whether it’s sharing study strategies, offering words of encouragement, or simply being a listening ear, she’s the kind of mentor who reminds you that you’re capable of more than you think.

Hello, PEER WISE Family!

As the spring semester begins, I want to take a moment to say how thrilled I am to welcome each of you back to campus. Whether you’re returning after a restful break or diving in for your very first spring at Clemson, know that you’ve been on my mind. There’s a buzz in the air as we step into 2025 together, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of your journey.

The start of a new semester is a powerful moment—a chance to reflect, reset, and refocus. I encourage you to take a moment to think about the wins you had last semester. Maybe it was mastering a tough course, meeting new friends, or simply finding a rhythm that worked for you. Whatever those moments were, celebrate them! You earned those victories. Let them remind you that you are capable, resilient, and ready to keep building.

As you look ahead to this semester, ask yourself: What do I want to grow stronger in? Maybe you want to tackle that challenging class with renewed determination, or perhaps this is the semester you commit to stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new. Whatever it is, know that you are not alone in your efforts. Your PEER WISE family and I are here to cheer you on every step of the way.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: No one is cheering louder for you than I am. I see your hard work, your passion, and the dedication you bring to everything you do. It’s inspiring, and it motivates all of us at PEER WISE to continue creating opportunities and resources to support your success.

Speaking of resources, don’t forget that PEER WISE is here for you with tutoring, study groups, networking events, and a community that’s rooting for you. Use these tools to your advantage—they’re designed with you in mind. And remember, whether you’re soaring through a high point or navigating a challenge, you’ve got a team in your corner ready to support you.
Finally, let’s remember to take care of ourselves this semester. Balance is key. Make time to rest, recharge, and celebrate your progress—no matter how small it might seem. You are doing amazing things, and I am so excited to see where this semester takes you.

Let’s make Spring 2025 a semester of growth, connection, and achievement. I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.

With pride and encouragement,
Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE

UPCOMING EVENTS:

​The members of WISER and what WISER has done for them has been highlighted in a short video.  To view this video, click the HERE!

When: January 13th – 16th, 2022

**Applications close November 30th

STEM – ALL IN is a collaborative program between Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences, the College of Science, and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences to raise awareness of graduate education in the STEM fields. The program is designed to bring the best and brightest underrepresented minority students on campus and encourage them to pursue a graduate degree at Clemson.

Click on the image to view the full flyer with more information!

The JPMC Software Engineering Program (SEP) is proud to announce that the 2022 Advancing Black / Hispanic & Latino Pathways Fellowship applications are live and we are excited for our Class of 2024 Black & Hispanic community to show up and show out!

The ABP Fellowship Program is a six-week PAID, full-time fellowship held during summer 2022 for undergraduate sophomores (class of 2024), in particular students that self- identify as Black, giving participants the opportunity to learn about our businesses, build professional development skills and positively impact the future of people’s lives, our firm and our industry.

I encourage you to take advantage of this 6-week Software Engineering 2022 Summer Fellowship opportunity, in order to stand out amongst your peers and community!

Please reach out to sep.campus.sourcing@jpmchase.com  for any questions!

Written by Beth Anne Johnson, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

From summer camp to college freshman, Skyler Holland is back on campus to craft a bright future and create success. Hailing from Hampton, South Carolina, Holland joins the 4200 first-year students on campus this fall as a general engineering student in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

Inspired by her days as a middle school camper, Holland is working hard and studying often in hopes of joining the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “I was inspired by the solar panel robots we built during Project WISE,” she explains, “I loved taking it apart, studying the mechanics and piecing it back together.”

As a part of the educational outreach programs, PEER & WISE hosts 60 middle school students each summer. The campers then participate in the foundations of engineering, computing and applied science with hands-on and engaging opportunities taught by Clemson University faculty.

“The faculty are an integral part of our success at Project WISE,” says Serita Acker, executive director of PEER & WISE, “They join us in celebrating diversity and inclusion in STEM education and even more so, that these fields are fun and for everyone.”

Holland’s experience from camper to college freshman demonstrates the viability of these engagement opportunities with young students. Holland shares, “I knew Clemson was the place for me. It felt like home then, and it feels like home now.”

“We love to hear stories like Skyler’s,” shares Beth Anne Johnson, associate director of the WISE Program. “It lets us know we are doing our part to recruit and retain South Carolina’s best and brightest students.”

Holland joins the Clemson family during unprecedented times, but as Johnson shares, Holland seems well adjusted and making the most of her first year at Clemson. “We met over Zoom and enjoyed getting to know one another! Skyler expressed how she would like to help with Project WISE in future summers and I could not be more delighted. How powerful it would be for young campers to hear her story!”

Plans for Project WISE are already in the works with camp counselor applications opening February 2021. Without a doubt, PEER & WISE is looking forward to serving a new cohort of campers. For more information about our Project WISE camp, visit our website.

On November 7th, the departments of PEER & WISE hosted our annual recruitment event, Sneak Preview. This year the event was held virtually due to COVID-19. There were 82 high school juniors and seniors from across the country that joined us via Zoom to hear about the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

Upon joining the session, participants were greeted by Mrs. Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER & WISE as she explained our support programs and our focus on retaining students in the fields of STEM. Dr. Oliver Myers, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, introduced the students to the STEM Scholars program for students interested in working toward a terminal degree in STEM.

Following the welcome session, Amy Burke and Phillip Lyew-Daniels led sessions on financial aid and admissions. Students were especially thankful for their willingness to answer questions and give them specific deadlines for scholarships and admissions.

After these general sessions, students were introduced to CECAS and the majors that are offered within our college. They were given the chance to talk to our PEER & WISE mentors about life as a student and how things have been different in this virtual environment. They were also able to hear about opportunities such as study abroad and co-op/internships.

After the student panel, students were split into 3 breakout rooms, where the PEER & WISE mentors led discussions of more specific majors. They gave the prospective students virtual tours of their department while showing them a day in the life of an engineering or computer science student. This part of the program was the most popular in terms of information and student engagement.

After the program, many students indicated their increased interest in applying to and hopefully attending Clemson to attain a degree in STEM. They appreciated the time spent getting to know the PEER & WISE mentors, as that is what set this program apart from other virtual events.