One-on-one Success Coaching

Success coaching provides support and resources to help students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Students meet with SSR staff to discuss concerns and get connected to campus resources. Common topics include navigating the college experience, learning about academic support tools, and opportunities for campus engagement.

Learn more about one-on-one success coaching.

Doing well in college takes more than good study habits. True academic success requires the development and alignment of your academic, social, and emotional selves—the whole of you.

That is why SMU created one-on-one success coaching, a free service that academically supports students by supporting the whole student.

Specific SSR team members work one-on-one with students to learn their goals, understand their obstacles, and light their way toward academic and personal growth for a richer, more fulfilling college experience.

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Our success coaches have similar training and experience supporting student success on the Hilltop. We do understand that sometimes we are able to connect easier with some folks better than others. Therefore, we empower students to sign up for any success coach. 

Review out success coach biographies below. 

 

 

Shun Colter

Assistant Director, Student Success and Retention

Pronouns: He/Him

  • Born in Dallas, Texas, but raised in Port Huron, Michigan.

  • Received B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Texas and M.A. in Counseling from Prairie View University. 

  • I have worked thirteen years in mental health with youth and adults in the school system and the community within the Texas sector. 

  • As the Assistant Director of Student Success and Retention, I hope to make a positive difference with the students on the SMU campus by encouraging them to grow and never allow challenges to dictate their future outcomes.

 

Jay Guillory

Success Coach, Student Success and Retention

Pronouns: He/Him

  • Originally from Louisiana. I lived in Tennessee for three years before moving to the DFW area.

  • Received my Bachelor of Arts in History from the Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Received my Master of Education, College Student Personnel from East Tennessee State University. 

  • Before joining the SSR team in January of 2024, I worked in student affairs, creating student success programs and leadership development initiatives for two different higher education institutions. Along with being a Middle School Reading Teacher.

  • My goal as your success coach is to support you through finding resources the SMU has to offer you to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom.

 

 

 

 

One-on-one success coaching can be virtual, in person, or over the phone. Schedule a session with one of our success coaches.