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ULM Reginald F. Lewis Scholar and facilitator embark on study abroad experience in Paris

Published August 9, 2024

TRIO Paris

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 


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