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From Orientation to Graduation

The NOVA Program is a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant project committed to fostering the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of first-generation and low-income students from Orientation to Graduation.

Apply to the NOVA Program

Key Resources

Spring 2025 Peer Mentors

Below are our Peer Mentors for this semester. The Peer Mentors will guide NOVA freshman throughout their first year of college at EKU.

  • Cloey Davis
    Major: Criminal Justice/Community
    Partner: Richmond Police Department
  • Adrian Guillen
    Major: Psychology/Community
    Partner: Madison County Public Library
  • Kaeley Heaton
    Major: Recreation & Park Administration/Community
    Partner: EKU CIEGE
  • Kaden Hollingsworth
    Major: Construction Management/Community
    Partner: Habitat for Humanity
  • Cora Hopkins
    Major: Broadcasting & Electronic Media/Community
    Partner: Madison County Animal Shelter
  • Kelsi Howard
    Major: Aviation Management/Community
    Partner: EKU Center for Student Parents
  • Hope Kerns
    Major: Broadcasting & Electronic Media/Community
    Partner: EKU Upward Bound
  • Trista Thomas
    Major: Occupational Safety/Community
    Partner: EKU Colonel’s Cupboard

Contact Information

NOVA Program

Cammack Building
Room 005

859-622-1047
nova@eku.edu

Department Directory

Program Services

We are The NOVA Program! For 50 years, we have helped EKU First-Generation and limited income students succeed in college. As a TRIO Student Support Services program, our sole purpose is to help you get through college, and all of our services are completely free! Here are some of the services we offer:

  • Academic Advising—Helping you pick out your classes and your schedule every semester
  • Financial Aid Counseling—Don’t understand your financial aid? We’re here to help! Need help filling out FAFSA? We’ve got you.
  • Cultural Trips and Events—All-expense paid trips to cultural hubs around the United States!
  • Peer Mentoring—Each NOVA Freshman is given an upperclassman Peer Mentor to help navigate all those new college experiences! If you are a transfer student and would like a Peer Mentor, those are available as well!
  • NOVA-Specific Coursework—GSD 101 (Intro to College), GSD 225S (Service-Learning), GSO 149 (Career & Co-op), and GSD 399 (Senior Exit Seminar)
  • “Adulting” Workshops—Learning valuable life skills that you haven’t had a chance to learn yet (How to Build Credit, Apartments 101, etc.)
  • Leadership Development
    NOVA Living Learning Community—Live on the same floor as other NOVAs
  • … and so much more!

Courses Offered

  • 3 credit-hour freshman orientation course taught by a NOVA staff member (required for all incoming freshmen)
  • Helps students navigate the waters of their first semester at EKU
  • Students have the guidance and support of a Peer Mentor (a NOVA upperclassman student)
  • Equips students with the knowledge of campus resources, positive academic behaviors, and tools for getting engaged on campus

  • 1 credit-hour course which introduces emerging leaders to leadership theory and development
  • Attention is given to leadership styles, conflict resolution, communication skills, ethics and values
  • Students in this course work with a small group of peers to provide community service to an assigned local community partner

  • 1 credit-hour course which introduces emerging leaders to leadership theory and development
  • Attention is given to leadership styles, conflict resolution, communication skills, ethics and values
  • Students in this course work with a small group of peers to provide community service to an assigned local community partner

  • 1 credit hour course designed for Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors
  • Prepares NOVA students for the job market prior to co-ops & internships
  • Topics include: self assessment, communication, resumes and cover letters, interviewing techniques, and business etiquette

  • 1 credit-hour course required for all NOVA Peer Mentors
  • NOVA students enrolled in this course receive instruction and training in mentoring skills and techniques
  • Students will serve as a peer mentor and assist with teaching an assigned section of NOVA GSD 101 and/or GSD 225S
  • May be retaken up to 6 credit hours

  • 3 credit-hour course for NOVA juniors and seniors
  • Helps students recognize and build skills needed for desired career fields
  • Topics include: job search, resumes, cover letters, interview skills, and making connections between academic experiences and professional goals
  • Designed to help students transition from college to career or graduate school

Eligibility Criteria

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; AND
  • Fully admitted to EKU; AND
  • Enrolled (or planning to be enrolled) full-time on the main Richmond campus; AND
  • Demonstrate an academic need (as determined by the program); AND
  • First-generation college student (neither parent graduated with a bachelor’s degree); AND/OR
  • Low-income; AND/OR
  • The term “low-income individual” means an individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census.
  • Documented disability (must be a verifiable physical/learning/emotional disability).
Federal TRiO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels

Mission

The NOVA Program is a federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services project that increases the retention and graduation rates of first-generation, limited-income, and/or students with disabilities. Utilizing an individualized, strengths-based approach, NOVA provides comprehensive support services from Orientation to Graduation to empower students to realize their fullest potential.

Vision

The NOVA Program will serve as a national model of excellence, providing a transformative undergraduate experience to students from underrepresented populations. NOVA graduates will be well-rounded, self-actualized, global citizens who aspire to achieve their full potential and contribute to the betterment of the world.

Core Values & Beliefs

  • Advocacy: NOVA believes in advocating for the unique needs of our students on campus, within our community, and at both state and national levels.
  • Accountability: NOVA values accountability and transparency of both internal and external program stakeholders.
  • Community: NOVA believes that honesty, understanding, and communication are integral to the success of our community.
  • Diversity: NOVA values and celebrates all student voices, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Inclusivity: NOVA honors students from all backgrounds, orientations, and belief systems.
  • Leadership: NOVA believes in the importance of servant leadership and community stewardship.
  • Professionalism: NOVA values the development of skills and competencies expected of a well-rounded professional.
  • Scholarship: NOVA believes that all students have the potential for academic success.

Newsletter

Our latest newsletter is available HERE.

NOVA publishes regular newsletters to keep our students, friends, and family in-the-know! In each NOVA Newsletter, you can find:

  • Upcoming events
  • Important dates/deadlines
  • Staff updates
  • Student spotlights
  • …and more!

If you’re interested in subscribing to our newsletter, shoot us an email at nova@eku.edu. All current NOVA students will automatically receive our newsletters. For past newsletters, please contact Ashton Chaffins at ashton.chaffins@eku.edu.

Trio Student Support Services

The NOVA Program is a Student Support Services TRIO Project funded at $417,888 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to serve 206 eligible EKU students. This disclosure is made in compliance with Public Law 108-447 SEC 506