Loyola Marymount University

06/10/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2025 10:30

NUFP Fellows at LMU Are Shaping the Future of Student Affairs

Loyola Marymount University students are taking bold steps toward leadership in higher education through their involvement in the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP). Designed to diversify the pipeline of student affairs professionals, NUFP offers undergraduates mentorship, development opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the field. These future changemakers' experiences as NUFP Fellows help them discover their purpose and passions.

For these fellows, being part of NUFP at LMU offers a unique experience. Every campus runs NUFP a little differently. The LMU style of the program was a cohort-based experience. "The cohort model gave our students the chance to build community, learn from each other, and support one another as they explored this potential career path," said Isabel Villalobos-Galeana, a NUFP mentor and assistant director for Residence Life, Community Development Student Housing in the LMU Student Affairs Division.

With the LMU values and mission weaved into the program, the fellows at LMU feel the unmatched support from their mentors. "I think the staff at LMU are really committed to supporting and serving students as best as possible," said Xion Nelson '25, a math major. "You can see that through this program especially, the willingness to just drop everything to support students."

Leadership development is at the heart of the NUFP experience. Fellows described how NUFP helped them become stronger leaders by managing all personality types, being more assertive, and the opportunity for networking at the NASPA National Conference. Fellows reflected on the NASPA conference they were able to attend and the opportunity to connect with other student affairs professionals across the country and discuss real issues that every student affairs department is facing. NUFP also pushed them out of their comfort zones by helping the fellows find their voice. Whether that's from public speaking or how to build meaningful connections with other professionals, the fellows are learning skills that will help them far beyond the daily tasks of a student affairs professional.

The students weren't the only ones who noticed a shift in their confidence as the program progressed. The mentors also noticed a big shift in the fellows' confidence, especially between the regional and national conferences. "By the national one, they were branching out, reconnecting with folks they'd met at the regional one, and really owning their space," said Villalobos-Galeana. "It was obvious they'd grown, not just in knowledge, but in how they saw themselves in this field."

The NUFP program has had a significant impact on each student's plans. Student Affairs is a large division on a college campus. Student Affairs teams give support through challenges in life, engagement in campus life, student success, and beyond the classroom. "I think it's [NUFP] has given me more of a purpose into what I plan to do," said Keona Munowenyo '26, a screenwriting major.

The fellows also reflected on how their NUFP journey connects to LMU's Student EXP pillars. It was a mix between Living a Life of Purpose and Practicing Ignatian Values. "All the professional staff have a strong sense of their 'why'," Cleo Pollinger '25, a double major in economics and information systems and business analytics. "They have a strong purpose, and it has meant so much in my experience." The fellows have been seen by the Student Affairs leaders and have a deeper understanding of the passion behind making LMU a space for students from every background and addressing every campus need.

Through the NUFP program, these LMU students are building the skills, vision, and values needed to lead lives of purpose and service. Their stories touch on the transformative power of mentorship, reflection, and education in shaping the next generation of leaders in higher education.

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