THE ROTUNDA SCHOLARS STAFF
Meet our incredible staff below and familiarize yourself with the names of Academic Success Counselors, Peer Counselors (PCs) and Peer Upperclassman Liaisons (PULs) as you prepare to meet and learn from these incredible scholar mentors. We also have full-time Professional staff, dedicated to your social, academic, and emotional well-being.
DIRNikole MELGAREJO
JUAREZ
B.A. Political Science
M.Ed Counseling-Student Affairs
Ed.D.
Nikole Melgarejo Juarez, Director of Rotunda Scholars, Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), earned her B.A in Political Science from San Diego State University and her M.Ed. in Counseling-Student Affairs from Texas Christian University. She is also a candidate for the Doctor of Education (EdD) program in the Simmons School of Education & Human Development here at SMU
Before joining the ACE staff in July 2019, she worked as a counseling intern for TCU’s TRIO, Student Support Services, working primarily with at risk and underrepresented students. She also served as the graduate assistant for TCU’s Undergraduate Academic Initiatives, helping first-year students transition to college life. Originally from Southern California, Nikole enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and experiencing new cultures.
Contact: nmelgarejo@smu.edu | +1 (214) 768-4032
The Professional Staff at the 2024 Rotunda Scholars Gala
(In Progress)
SR. ACADEMIC SUCCESS
COUN R Keuna “KE” WEBSTER
B.A. Political Science
M.Ed. Student Affairs in Higher Ed.
Keuna "Ke" Webster, Senior Academic Success Counselor for the Rotunda Scholars Program, is a native Texan and two-time first-gen alumna from Texas State University (Go Bobcats!) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Minor in Diversity Studies, and a Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education.
After graduating with her master’s degree in 2022, Ke relocated to Dallas from Austin to work at Dallas College as the Lead Career and Transfer Skills Development Specialist, where she helped students transition straight into the workforce or 4-year institutions. After a year and a half, she transferred to Multicultural Affairs, serving as the Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, building community through planning signature events for diverse populations around the Dallas community. She joined the Rotunda Scholars Program in August 2023 and enjoys getting to know students and spending time with her dog.
Contact: keunaw@smu.edu | +1 (214) 768-6754
Ke at the 2024 Rotunda Gala.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
CO Briana “BRI” MORALES
B.A. Psychology
M.Sc Counseling (in Progress)
Dog-in-Residence: Pax!
Briana “Bri” Morales, Academic Success Counselor for the Rotunda Scholars Program, is a native Texan who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SMU and is currently pursuing her Master of Science (MSc) in the SMU Counseling program. Before joining the Rotunda Scholars Program in June 2023, Bri was the graduate assistant for SMU’s First-Generation Initiative program and fiercely advocated for first-generation students like herself on the Hilltop.
Bri’s passion for student-centered support and advocacy is a cornerstone for her career at SMU. She is elated to work one-on-one with our first-year students during their monthly Academic Success Meetings Bri is also the proud parent of our Dogin-Residence, Pax – who hangs around in her office in the ACE.
Contact: bmorales@smu edu | +1 (214) 768- 6545
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
COU Sue BIERMAN, PHD
B.S. Psychology
M.S. Student Counseling & Personnel Services
Ph D Higher Education & Higher Ed Admin
Dr. Sue Bierman, Academic Success Counselor for the Rotunda Scholars Program, received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. She has worked with student-athletes at Texas A&M, Sam Houston State University, and Butler University. Since arriving at SMU in 2007, Sue has worked with student-athletes in football, men ’s/women’s basketball, men ’s/women’s swimming and diving, and volleyball.
She was also the Executive Director of the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center at SMU until her retirement in Summer 2024. Since Fall 2024, she has joined our program as an Academic Success Counselor.
Sue enjoys watching the Mustangs, playing tennis, and rescuing dachshunds.
Contact Sue at sbierman@smu edu
Sue and Director Nikole at the Rotunda Gala
ROTUNDA STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
the Rotunda Leadership Team fferent aspects of the Rotunda ts and Faculty in driving success
ROTUNDA FELLOW DYLAN HUDSON ‘25
The Fellow represents the Rotunda Scholars Program and works closely with staff to address programmatic needs. They focus on understanding student needs and enhancing the student worker experience. Responsibilities include assisting with RISE planning, leading training, supporting students, and implementing events and programs. The Fellow plays an essential role in advancing the program’s mission to be SMU’s most radically caring organization.
GRADUATE ASSISTANT MARIA RIOS
The Graduate Assistant is a key leader in the Rotunda Scholars Program, collaborating with staff to address program needs and support first-year scholars through graduation. They advise student leaders, build relationships with community partners, and coordinate leadership opportunities. Their responsibilities include researching student needs, developing strategic support plans and help coordinate staff meetings as a reliable resource for students and staff.
COMMUNICATIONS
DIRECTOR
TULSI RAM LOHANI ‘25
ROTUNDA COORDINATOR
AILEEN SANCHEZ ‘26
The Communications Director acts as the brand ambassador for the Rotunda Scholars Program, ensuring clear and consistent messaging across all communication channels. They work closely with staff to manage public relations, oversee social media, and support events and programs, including RISE initiatives.
Additionally, they serve as a reliable resource for students and assist with administrative tasks. This role is integral to maintaining the program’s strong presence and effective communication. They are also the editor for The Scholar Scoop and Rotunda Roundup Podcasts!
ROTUNDA COORDINATOR ANEIRY RESENDIZ ‘26
The Rotunda Coordinators serve as a critical These administrative hands-on position work professional and student staff to address programmatic needs. The Rotunda Coordinators are expected to serve as mentors and resources to the Peer Counselors as well as their advocate amongst the Leadership Team. They are to go beyond the call of duty and assist the program in our mission to be the most radically caring organization at SMU. In serving as a reliable resource and support for our student staff, assisting with event and program implementation, helping with RISE planning, and other administrative duties they serve as an integral part of the Rotunda student leadership team.
Peer Counselors (PCs)
Peer Counselors are upperclassmen Rotunda Scholars who are crucial to firstyear success. They are here to support first-year students during their personal and academic transition. As peer counselors, they are assigned to a group of first-year students, providing guidance, mentorship, and educational support.
The role of a Peer Counselor is to serve as a resource and role model, helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter throughout their first year.
Peer Counselors are chosen through an extensive interview and application process after the spring semester. They come from across the country, with different majors and backgrounds, to welcome and mentor the incoming firstyear students.
Peer Upperclassmen Liaisons (PULs)
Peer Upperclassmen Liaisons (PULs) play a pivotal role in supporting Rotunda Scholars as they transition into their upperclassmen years at SMU. Serving as bridges between cohorts and the broader university community, PULs connect scholars with academic programs, campus resources, and leadership opportunities within their chosen fields of study.
As mentors and advocates, PULs guide upperclassmen scholars after their first year through the challenges and opportunities of advancing their education while fostering a sense of belonging and community within the Rotunda Scholars Program. Their role is grounded in the program’s mission to provide care, guidance, and support that inspires scholars to thrive both academically and personally.
PULs are selected for their dedication to leadership, their ability to connect with peers, and their commitment to empowering fellow Rotunda Scholars. Through their mentorship, they create meaningful connections that help second-year scholars navigate their academic and personal journeys at SMU.
What Does Rotunda Offer?
The Rotunda Scholars Program offers a variety of resources some that are listed here but Rotunda
participate in several workshops throughout the academic year on a myriad of topics, and are invited to exclusive events at SMU and in the Dallas community.
This includes exclusive Academic Advising events, access to tutoring and academic materials, and reserved class spots for some of the most sought-after professors on campus.
The list is exhaustive and is sent in personalized emails throughout the year. Speak with a member of staff to inquire about any resources you need for success!
PC Meetings
Peer Counselor (PC) Meetings occur twice a month and they are a great oppurtunity to ask questions about anything regarding your SMU experience.
Schedule your Meetings through the Rotunda Linktree at
SEE HOW TO SWIPE IN FOR YOUR HOURS HERE!
Please make sure you swipe in and out to get your required study hall hours in.
You can swipe in for meetings or study times in these spaces, but not for class or casual meetings.
If you have any questions, please let a member of our staff know!
STUDY SPACES
The ACE (Academic Center of Excellence) –Located in Armstrong Hall, ideal for focused study and collaboration. All Rotunda Scholars recieve free printing exclusively at the ACE The Scholars’ Den – A quiet, exclusive space for scholars in Clements Hall. The ALEC (Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center) – In the Lloyd AllSports Center, perfect for productive study sessions.
SENATE FUND
The Rotunda Student Senate Fund is a fund available to currently enrolled undergraduate Rotunda Scholars who need assistance affording Academic Enhancement opportunities, dealing with financial hardship and/or other personal hardship.
Rotunda Scholars are eligible to receive funds twice during their entire time at SMU.
The application is now open for funding requests. Application requests will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed by the Rotunda Director, Nikole Melgarejo, and other committee members on a monthly basis. If an application is approved, funds may be distributed in one of two ways either through your SMU Student Account or through Chase Quickpay.
Depending on the distribution method, it may take 1 to 2 weeks to disperse. Scholars should keep this processing time in mind when they submit a request to account for individual needs and deadlines.
Event Credits
As apart of the program you will be able to particpate in events from across campus a
As new members of the participating in Peer Counse building a strong foundation events are designed to provide you with personalized guidance, practical advice, and a supportive community as you transition into life at SMU.
Peer Counselors, who have walked in your shoes, offer relatable insights and encouragement to help you navigate academic challenges, explore campus resources, and balance your goals. These events foster a sense of belonging, empowering you to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Brian Contreras ‘27 at Hispanic Send-Off Kailyn Welch ‘27 at the WLGBTQ+ LGBTQ Symposium
Community Dinners
Community dinners are another cornerstone of the Rotuna Scholars experience, offering a unique opportunity to connect with your peers, share stories, and celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special. These gatherings create a relaxed and welcoming environment
For many new students, these dinners become a highlight of their first semester, providing not just a moment to unwind but also a way to build meaningful relationships. Together, Peer Counselor events and community dinners lay the groundwork for a vibrant and supportive Rotunda Scholars network that will uplift you throughout your time at SMU.
Scholars at the Rotunda Feud Dinner
THE ROTUNDA GALA
The Rotunda Gala is our end-of-year celebration, bringing together first-year scholars and past scholars to celebrate their accomplishments and growth throughout the year. It’s a special event filled with recognition, reflection, and a sense of community as we honor the hard work and achievements of our scholars.
YouScience Assessment
A career assessment paid for by Rotunda based on aptitude or an individual’s natural abilities. The assessment contains 9 brain games, an interest inventory, a personality profile, 5 optional brain games, and 500+ potential careers.
The goal of utilizing the career assessment is to support career development. For some, it may be used as a tool to identify potential careers and for others it may be a tool to bring awareness to strengths and challenges.
Extra Oppurtunities
For example, as a Rotunda Scholar, you'll have access to unique experiences that enhance both your academic and professional development:
Networking Events – This last semester Scholars connected with professionals and alumni at an exclusive event with the Dallas Cowboys!
Professional Headshots – Get a free professional headshot to elevate your personal brand.
LinkedIn Support – Receive personalized help in building a standout LinkedIn profile to enhance your networking opportunities.
Tailored Personal Advising – Take advantage of advising sessions focused specifically on your individual goals and aspirations as a Rotunda Scholar.
and so much more!
Spring 2025 Cohort Requirements
Academic Success Meeting (ASM)
1 meeting per month (3 total)
A success counselor will reach out to you directly via email with instructions to schedule your Academic Success Meeting and with whom.
Peer Counselor(PC) Meetings
2 meetings per month (6 total)
You can meet with any two PCs each month. Meetings can be made through Outlook Booking
Study Hall
2 hours per week
Study hall is tracked on a weekly basis from Sunday to Saturday starting on Sunday, January 26th.
Event Credits
6 event credits
Rotunda releases a monthly event calendar with preapproved events. All Rotunda specific events qualify as approved event credits. Events not listed on the monthly calendar are approved on a case by case basis. Events must be in one of the following categories: academic, professional or cultural. Events can be submitted through the Event Credit Submission form on the LinkTr.ee.
How to Stay Connected!
Events - Attend the RISE Institute as a first-year or guest scholar! Join us for our semester Evolve Lecture Speaker Series.
Email- Please make it a habit to check your SMU email on a regular basis. This is one key to success not only as a Rotunda Scholar, but as a SMU student and future professional.
GroupMe - The Rotunda GroupMe is a key form of communication for new events, and opportunities, and a way to stay connected with your Rotunda Cohort for your entire time at SMU! There are different channels you can scan through and message based on what you’re looking for!
Instagram - Reminisce on past Rotunda experiences while learning about new opportunities and events.
Rotunda LinkTree: A key resource to schedule your required meetings and access things like the Rotunda Event Calendars and Senate Fund.
The Scholar Scoop and Rotunda Roundup: Great ways to learn about what your peers and the program is up to!
