What is a peer mentor?

Peer mentors support and encourage student success, specifically new and first or second year students. Peer mentors help students throughout the academic year through one-on-one and group meetings. Peer mentors are knowledgeable guides for students–someone who can provide access to ideas, study tips, resources and serve as a role model and advocate.

Student Center

Peer mentor responsibilities

  • Serve as an enthusiastic, positive role model and resource to help students succeed.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with and provide assistance for students (focus on a smooth transition, acclimation, and a sense of belonging).
  • Plan/attend various events for students such as career exploration, skills training, and study tips.
  • Help facilitate and encourage student attendance to the previously referenced events.

Meet your peer mentors for 2025-2026

Grace Escritt

Hey there, I'm Grace! I'm a junior majoring in journalism and mass communication as well as political science. Outside of class, I am the VP of the SJMC Student Advisory Board as well as an editor for The Foundationalist intercollegiate literary journal. I also work for the Center for Teaching as a Student as a partner consultant. My main areas of interest are newswriting (especially feature, event, political), multimedia storytelling (audio, photo, video) and media law. As a peer mentor, I'd be happy to help you study, workshop your pieces, explore second areas of study and even navigate your future in journalism. Feel free to drop by my office hours or email me any time! 

Portrait of Grace

 

My office hours are:

  • Fridays 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Email: grace-escritt@uiowa.edu

Sam Peterson

Hi! My name is Sam Peterson and I’m a third-year student studying journalism and mass communication on the strategic communication track with a certificate in entrepreneurial management. My interests in journalism lie in corporate communications and public relations. Outside of class I serve as President of UIowa’s chapter of PRSSA, a student ambassador for UIowa SJMC, and an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. I’m so excited to be one of the peer mentors this year, and I’m happy to help answer any questions that you may have!

Portrait of Sam
 

My office hours are:

  • Tuesdays:  2-3:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 2-3:30 p.m.

Email: sam-peterson@uiowa.edu

Kenna Mertes
Hi! I'm Kenna Mertes, a senior majoring in Journalism and Sports Media at the University of Iowa. Outside the classroom, I serve as the Creative Director for the Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) and as a student ambassador for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. My passion for sports media spans reporting, content creation, and the operations that bring events and stories to life behind the scenes. I'm excited to be a peer mentor this year and look forward to helping students navigate their academic journey while making the most of their experience at Iowa!
This is a headshot of Kenna Mertes
 
My office hours: 
Thursdays 2:30-5:30 pm 
 
Email: mmerts@uiowa.edu