TRiO - Student Support Services

TRiO programs at Philander Smith College are programs 100% federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Education and are designed to generate the skills and motivation needed for success in both high school and post-secondary education. At Philander Smith, these programs include the Student Support Services Program (for college students), Upward Bound Classic Program (Grades 9-12) and Upward Bound Math/Science Center (Grades 9-12).


TRiO-Student Support Services Staff                           TRiO Office Fax: (501) 370-5396

Gloria Ann Billingsley, Executive TRiO Director
(501) 370-5210 Office
(501) 370-5396 Fax
gbillingsley@philander.edu

E. Michelle Williams, Upward  Bound Math/Science Program Coordinator
(501) 370-5380, ext. 2406
(501) 370-5396 Fax
emwilliams@philander.edu

Deborah Larry-Calvin, Upward Bound Math/Science Academic & Technology Coordinator
(501) 370-5380, ext. 2407
(501) 370-5396 Fax
dcalvin@philander.edu

Marcus O. Montgomery, Student Support Services Academic & Career Coordinator
(501) 370-5369 Office
(501) 370-5253 Fax
marcus.montgomery@philander.edu

Sharina Jones, Student Support Services Tutor/Mentor Coordinator
(501) 370-5380, ext. 3505
(501) 370-5396 Fax
 
Consuelo Whitney, TRiO Office Manager
(501) 370-5372 Office
(501) 370-5253 Fax

Student Support Services (SSS)
The SSS Program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilities the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. Services include:

  • Tutorial services
  • Academic, financial or personal counseling
  • Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate and professional programs
  • Mentoring
  • Special services for students with limited English proficiency
  • Director financial assistance (grant aid) to current SSS participants receiving Federal Pell Grants.

Eligibility for Program Services:
Target groups served by the program include entering college freshmen who are low-income and/or first generation college students with academic needs and students with disabilities.
 
Upward Bound Classic Program (UBC)
The mission of the UB Classic Program is to successfully prepare those students who may have economic needs and/or are prospective first generation students.
 
Upward Bound Math/Science Center (UBMS)
The mission of this program is to strengthen the math/science skills of participating students in a challenging, student-centered environment. The center's goal is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science while encouraging them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these fields.
 
Services Provided by the Program Include:
  • Summer programs of intensive math and science training;
  • Year-round counseling, tutoring and academic advisement;
  • Exposure to College faculty who conduct research in math/science;
  • Computer training; and
  • Participant-conducted scientific research under the guidance of a faculty member or graduate student serving as the participant's mentor   
If you are interested in pursuing a college degree in math and science after you finish high school, Upward Bound Math and Science may be for you; however you must make serious commitment to the UB Program. If you are interested in pursuing a college degree after high school, then the Upward Bound Classic Program may be for you - and again, a serious commitment to the program must be made.

Interested students should contact their high school guidance counselor for an application or contact any of the TRiO staff listed above.

TRiO-Student Support Services Programs are located in the the former M.L. Harris Library (first floor, M.L. Harris Fine Arts Building).