P.E.E.R. Mentor Program Strengthens Student Success in Nursing
As the 2025–2026 academic year begins, the School of Nursing continues to create pathways for student success. On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the School hosted a meet-and-greet for students interested in the new P.E.E.R. Mentor Program, which stands for Positive impact, Empower Each other, and build Resilience.
The program was established during the previous academic year by faculty members Rebekah Overcash, MSN, RNC-OB, and Emily Houghton-Palladino, DNP, FNP-BC, RN, CPEN, after they recognized challenges students were experiencing. To address these challenges, Overcash and Houghton-Palladino developed a structure and space that would allow students to better support one another.
The program was piloted in spring 2025 with 27 mentees and 25 student mentors comprising the inaugural cohort. Mentors assisted students with time management, study tips, test-taking strategies, and provided a clearer understanding of what to expect in UNC Charlotte’s nursing program. At the end of the semester, students completed a survey that yielded overwhelmingly positive feedback, prompting faculty to continue the program and refine it for this year’s cohort.
When asked what she is most excited about this year regarding the mentorship program, Professor Overcash answered:
“I’m most excited to see the connections that these students will make, as well as, seeing examples of how their stress level is decreased by just having someone to go to and talk to about assignments, study strategies, and test taking tips.”
Through the program, juniors (J1 or J2) in the nursing program are paired with senior-level students (S1 or S2) who serve as mentors by offering guidance, encouragement, and support as juniors acclimate to the program. Many of the seniors draw on similar experiences and are well equipped to help mentees navigate clinicals, NCLEX preparation, and more. Students also have the option to be paired with an individual mentor or join a mentee group.
Additionally, Dr. Houghton-Palladino shared her thoughts on this year’s program, responding:
“As an educator, I feel like my goal and purpose is to help students succeed in any way they can. Having this program as a different way for them to support each other, I think, is what we want and hope for as educators.”
The expectation is for juniors to serve as mentors for incoming students once they advance to the senior level, creating a continuous pipeline of support. The Fall 2025 cohort already includes 60 participating students, with additional opportunities for growth ahead. Currently, Professor Overcash and Dr. Houghton-Palladino are working to collaborate with Alumni Affairs to explore ways to involve alumni in the program, further expanding learning and networking opportunities for students.