Stephen Shol is originally from Olive Branch, Miss., and he graduated from The University of Alabama with his bachelor's and master’s degrees in communication studies through the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP). His academic interests focused on Indigenous scholarship which in turn informs both the critical advising model he utilizes in his work with Honors students and the reflexive instruction he pursues in his UH 100/110 section.

His advice for Honors students would be to talk to people. College is a time for developing interpersonal connections that will bolster you throughout challenges, and you’re given the space and time to structure your days. Make the most of the time that you have now.

His favorite part of working with Honors students is how varied their interests are, and how devoted they are to succeeding. They continue to surprise him.

Stephen is Q’eqchi’ Maya, and he’s a naturalized citizen in Belize. He likes cooking, baking, reading, writing and singing. Currently, his favorite book is “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong, and his favorite musical is “Rent.” His favorite quote is from Joy Harjo, “I chose poetry. Actually, poetry chose me.”