Solis honored as national outstanding peer educator

During her senior year at NMSU, Lizzett Solis ’25 received the 2024 College Reading and Learning Association’s International Peer Educator Training Program Certification Outstanding Peer Educator Award at the organization’s annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in November 2024. 

“I was overcome with pride at being selected as the best peer mentor in a nationwide competition. I hugged my children, and we cried together in our excitement,” says Solis, a single mom with two young sons. 

A first-generation, non-traditional student, Solis double-majored in anthropology and biology. She plans to attend graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in biological anthropology.

“Lizzett stands out as a remarkable mentor due to her three years of unwavering dedication to empowering her students and fostering their independence. Her approach begins with building the confidence of her students, guiding them in self-advocacy by helping them communicate professionally and connecting them with essential resources,” says Bernadine Booky ’08 ’09, TRIO Student Support Services program director. “Lizzett truly embodies the essence of mentorship, making her an invaluable asset to her community and a deserving candidate for this award.”