Published August 9, 2024
CAPTION: Facilitator Tommie Nelson (left) and ULM TRIO Reginald F. Lewis Scholar Braxton Jackson (right)
traveled to Paris with other scholars from the University of Louisiana System.
MONROE, LA – On June 20, 2024, the ULM TRIO Reginald F. Lewis Scholar Program’s Cohort 2 had the exciting
opportunity to spend a week studying abroad in Paris, France.
Facilitator Tommie Nelson, Retention Coordinator of ULM TRIO Programs, and ULM TRIO
Reginald F. Lewis Scholar Braxton Jackson, along with fellow RFL scholars and facilitators from the University of Louisiana System, participated
in this enriching experience.
The University of Louisiana System Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program’s mission is
to support, inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders through educational programs, mentoring opportunities, and co-curricular experiences to enhance
their outcomes. A new cohort is selected each summer between their freshman and sophomore
years, and they are given the chance to study abroad during the summer between their
junior and senior years—approximately two years after joining the program.
The RFL Scholars, who represented each university in the UL System, attended Sorbonne
University, one of Europe's oldest institutions. ULM TRIO RFL Scholar Braxton Jackson
participated in a panel discussion about artificial intelligence in higher education.
Some of the events were attended by members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus,
such as Senator Gerald Boudreaux (D-Lafayette), Representative Jason Hughes (D-New
Orleans), as well as several UL System Reginald F. Lewis Program supporters.
Northwestern University President Marcus Jones stated, “The Paris Study Abroad Trip
was an outstanding opportunity for our scholars to engage with global leaders and
broaden their academic perspectives.”
“I was particularly impressed by the level of insight and dedication shown by our
students while traveling abroad. Braxton Jackson, along with several other students,
participated in a panel discussion at the University of Sorbonne on the use of AI
in higher education. Their participation highlighted the high caliber of education
and mentorship they receive from our ULS institutions,” Jones continued.
“The Paris Study Abroad Trip has undoubtedly enriched our students' educational journeys
and underscored the importance of cross-cultural academic exchanges. I am proud of
their achievements and look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape their
futures,” said Jones.
ULM TRIO RLS Scholar Braxton Jackson stated, "I am the first person in my family to
have traveled outside of the nation. Visiting Paris was a journey through an amazing
mix of cultures and traditions. Each moment was loaded with history and timeless value,
leaving an unforgettable impact on my soul."
For more information about the ULM Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, visit our ULM Reginald
F. Lewis scholar’s website https://www.ulm.edu/research/trio/reginald-f-lewis-scholars.html
