Navarro Executive Fellows


The Navarro Executive Fellows (NEF) is a two-year mentoring-work experience program for incoming ALANA (African American/Black; Hispanic/Latino/Latina; Asian/Pacific Islander; Native American/Indian, etc.) freshmen with Youngstown State University’s Executive/Administrative Leadership.   This program is one of the programs that falls under the office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion’s Penguin Ally Collective (PAC).NEF-logo.jpg

NEF is designed to: 

  • recruit
  • mentor
  • motivate through employment
  • foster leadership
  • encourage campus engagement
  • assist with career development
  • enhance academic success and personal growth
  • integrate work experience with classroom  learning
  • increase retention and persistence
  • increase diversity on campus

A cohort of selected incoming freshmen will be chosen as Fellows each academic year and will be matched with YSU’s Executive/Administrative Leadership. The program will run fall and spring semesters. Fellows cannot work full time at any other job and must be willing to participate in supportive programs and services offered by YSU. They must be US citizens and have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5.  During the program, Fellows will be required to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  If Fellows drop below that GPA, they will be removed from the program and exited from employment.  This program is for two years only.  Employment with NEF will stop after 2nd year.

Executives will provide insight and connections as well as help Fellows set goals and stay on track academically, professionally, and personally.  

Executives will evaluate Fellows’ learning outcomes (midterm and end of the semester). Each Fellow will conduct a self-evaluation of his/her learning outcomes (midterm and end of the semester). Additionally, Executives and Fellows will complete an end of semester survey. Qualitative and quantitative data will be aggregated. Evidence-based data will guide decisions for recruitment, retention, mentoring, etc. This may also result in some interdivisional collaborative initiatives.  

We will meet as a group and spend 3-4 hours a month to discuss the program, assist with other PAC programs, and events in the DEI office.

Click here to apply!


NEF Professional Series - Guest Speakers

Professional Speaker Series - Timeline
Date Speaker
October 27, 2022

Dr. Nicolette Powe | Public Health

November 18, 2022

Jereme Batchelor | Education

December 9, 2022

Tiffany Thomas |  YSU Foundation

January 19, 2023 Herbert Washington
February 24, 2023 Ms. Jaietta Jackson | Communications 
March 24, 2023

Justin Jennings | Youngstown City schools Superintendent

April 14, 2023

Dr. Connie Hawthrone | Former Superintendent of YCSD