The Campbell University medical school is honoring Peer Learning Partners who collectively gave 1,047 hours of service, providing academic support in the form of one-on-one tutoring, weekly drop-in sessions and workshops.
The learning partners were invited to the ACE Peer Learning Partner Appreciation Luncheon and received a Certificate of Service Recognition, and several of the learning partners were recognized for their outstanding peer learning service for their work during the 2025-26 academic year.
Taking part as Peer Learning Partners during the 2025-26 academic year were two Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences year-two students, 32 year-two med students, four year-three med students and two fourth-year students.
The Peer Learning Partners must meet rigorous academic criteria and complete a mandatory training program, says Dr. Amy Hinkelman, who oversees the program. Their services have a significant and meaningful impact on the academic success of their peers and enhance the overall supportive learning environment at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM), she says.
The Peer Learning Partners collaborated with Hinkelman to provide 10 educational sessions, such as workshops, a podcast and webinars to support Campbell undergraduate students, medical learning specialists across the nation, as well as first-, second- and third-year DO students.
The PLPS, as well as the student learners, benefit from the program, says Hinkelman, vice chair and associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology and executive director of Academic Support and Assessment.
“Even if (the students) don’t take the time to tell you, it is making a big difference for them,” Hinkelman said.”I hope that you take that away as a meaningful experience, and remember the legacy that you have built. Thank you so much for your service, and also for just setting a wonderful example for the next year of peer learning partners. I appreciate each and every one of you.”
As part of the luncheon, Dr. James Powers, vice dean of Academic Affairs and professor of Emergency Medicine, and CUSOM Dean Dr. David Tolentino, thanked Hinkelman for her work and recognized all of the learning partners by reading their names and presenting them with a certificate.
“It’s a joy, and it’s truly an honor to help others on their journey,” Powers said. “The cool thing is, you may not know the impact you made, but I know it is real.”
Several students were specially recognized for their outstanding service.
Theodore Hutt devoted 125 hours of service to the program and was named CUSOM Peer Learning Partner of the Year. Victoria Hansen is the MSBS Outstanding Peer Learning Partner.
The second-year medical student Outstanding Peer Learning Partners are Barkley Browder, Olivia Carver-Ritter, Theodore Hutt, Rachel Morgan-Armbruster and Walker Scott.
Third-year med student Outstanding Peer Learning Partner is Brianna Lockwood.
“These Outstanding Peer Learning Partners have gone above and beyond, collectively delivering over 57 percent of the total peer-tutoring hours for the year,” Hinkelman said.
The Peer Learning Program, and ensuring experience gained, is an important part of the student mission at CUSOM, said Tolentino, who often ends his lectures and addresses with a simple phrase: “Be good to each other.”
“Nothing really encapsulates that more than the peer learning partner program,” he said. “This is truly being good to each other.”
