Savay Sexton ’27 earns Peer Mentor of the Year award
Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student follows in her peer mentor’s footsteps
Savay Sexton ’27 knows what it feels like to be a freshman at a big university: overwhelmed, uncertain and grateful for someone who knew how to help. Two years later, she became that person for someone else.
Sexton has spent the past two years as a peer mentor for the first-year experience course, AGLS 125 for students in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, a version of Hullabaloo U.
Required of all first-semester students at Texas A&M University, Hullabaloo U is designed to help Aggies navigate campus life, from academic resources and strategies to traditions that define the university. Class sizes are capped at 25 students, creating a more personal environment that fosters meaningful connections.
Peer mentors lead weekly class sessions alongside a faculty or staff instructor, serving as a relatable resource for students who are just finding their footing. They share their own experiences, answer questions and build the kind of relationships that help freshmen feel like they belong.
Across campus, about 612 upperclassmen serve in this role each year. One is chosen as Peer Mentor of the Year.
This year, that was Sexton, a student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications.
Following footsteps
While the recognition was never the sole goal, Sexton was inspired when her own peer mentor, Kaden Simon ’25, won the award when she was in his class.
“Kaden inspired me to follow in his footsteps to try and make a positive impact on others as they transition to their time being a college student,” Sexton said.
This past year, Sexton has worked alongside Lisa Whittlesey, senior program specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and international program director for the Junior Master Gardener program in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, who was also her instructor for AGLS 125.
“Savay’s level of dedication, responsibility and willingness to do her best and then some was among the best that I have ever experienced with students or employees,” said Whittlesey, who nominated Sexton for the award.
An Aggie who mentors
Whittlesey was not the only one who noticed.
“She is kind, thoughtful and always willing to offer a word of advice or a listening ear,” said Mattilyn Wagener ’29, a freshman in Sexton’s AGLS 125 section. “Savay has been someone I can go to with questions, whether academic or personal, and she consistently makes those around her feel comfortable and supported.”
She was approachable and supportive throughout the semester, going out of her way to make sure the students felt welcomed, encouraged and cared for during their first semester at Texas A&M, Wagener added.
This fall, Sexton will start her senior year and final semester as a peer mentor. Throughout her time in the role, she has guided new students, fostered meaningful connections and helped build a welcoming community, all while laying the foundation for the peer mentors who will follow her, just as Simon once did for her.
“I hope I can make a lasting impact by mentoring with intention and leave behind a strong foundation for those who will welcome these Aggies next year, and every year after that,” Sexton said.
