NSU’s RLF Scholars eager for personal, professional growth opportunities

NATCHITOCHES - Christopher Lowery of Colfax and Sean Mitcham of Natchitoches have been selected to represent Northwestern State University in this year's cohort of Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, an initiative of the University of Louisiana System.

The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars initiative recruits underserved collegiate males and provides educational programs, mentoring opportunities and co-curricular experiences to improve outcomes.

Each cohort includes two students from each school in the University of Louisiana System for a total of 18 members each year. Lowery and Mitcham join the fourth cohort of scholars.

Lowery, a sophomore Health and Exercise Science major, is a 2023 graduate of Grant High School. At NSU, he is involved with Black Male Alliance, NAACP and the NSU Food Pantry. He is a student assistant for the Demons men's basketball team and participated in several community service initiatives with the President's Leadership Program his freshman year.

"I am honored to be selected as a Reginald F. Lewis Scholar and excited for the opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills while teaming up with like-minded peers," he said. "I look forward to making a positive impact on my community and the people around me."

Lowery, a first-generation student, said he hopes the program provides him with a platform to become the best version of himself. He attended the ULS's Black Male Summit earlier this year where he learned about the RLF Scholars program and the network of mentors it provides. Lowery is pursuing a career in physical therapy and hopes to use leadership skills to positively affect his community.

Mitcham, a sophomore Computer Information Systems major with a concentration in Cyber Security, is a 2023 graduate of Many High School. At NSU, Mitcham is involved with Sigma Nu Fraternity with plans to join Beta Alpha Psi this semester and is involved in creating a new golf club. He said he is excited about opportunities the RLF Scholars program provides and hopes to be a mentor to young adults in the future.

"I'm eager to explore all the opportunities for growth and building valuable connections," he said. "The program gives us the chance to grow personally and professionally while networking with our peers along the way. I believe that supporting the next generation can make a meaningful impact on their lives and futures."

As Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, Lowery and Mitcham will join others in their cohort in a research project and study abroad to enhance their academic experience, participate in the Management and Leadership Institute for the Universities of Louisiana (M&LI) and collaborate on a system-wide service-learning project. They will get one-on-one mentoring to enhance their academic, professional, personal and social growth and participate in a retreat where they engage in team-building, leadership development and collaboration.

Information on the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars program is available at https://www.ulsystem.edu/rflewis-scholars/