President’s Fellowship Program Helps New Students Make Their Mark

By Amy Geduldig

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 7, 2026) — For University at Albany juniors Maureen Mbanga and Michael Simon, transferring from community college marked a natural next step in their academic journeys. In their first year as Great Danes, the pair have found success through UAlbany's President’s Fellowship program, which offers students hands-on experience working alongside the University president and chief of staff to support campus initiatives and activities.  

“The President’s Fellowship program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to get a behind-the-scenes view of the University at Albany’s administration. This year’s fellows, Maureen and Michael, were impressive and impactful additions to our office. I am grateful for their work, and I am eager to watch them unleash greatness as they continue in their academic and professional careers,” said Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany. 

Now in its second year, this leadership development program helps students gain valuable skills in strategic management, communication and collaboration, as well as opportunities to participate in professional development opportunities. Throughout the academic year, the students participate in University events while working five hours a week in the Office of the President. They also receive a $2,000 scholarship per semester.  

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to work in an office and network, meet new people and develop skills,” said Simon, a marketing major from Troy. “I've gotten so much help with just my career and schooling,” he said.   

For Mbanga, an accounting major originally from Zambia, the fellowship represented an opportunity to challenge herself and grow professionally.  

“I thought they were not going to pick me, because I'm a transfer student … and also I was overestimating my accent,” Mbanga said. “I felt like I wasn't qualified as an international student, but when I applied and I was picked, I was so excited.”   

As transfer students Mbanga and Simon benefited from resources that allowed them to continue their education at UAlbany. Simon took advantage of the dual admission with Hudson Valley Community College, while Mbanga applied through the SUNY Transfer Pathway at Schenectady Community College. 

Both also participated in Showcase, UAlbany’s annual celebration held last week that highlights student research and creativity.  

Simon examined the role of the Underground Railroad in the Capital Region.  

“I’m doing a presentation on the Underground Railroad, mostly about Upstate New York's role in it, like Albany, Syracuse, Troy; they all played a big part in it. I didn't realize Harriet Tubman was in Troy for a bit. That was pretty interesting to learn about.”   

Mbanga’s project focused on student perceptions of artificial intelligence, drawing on survey data to explore how attitudes differ across academic levels.  

“Most undergraduate students, they think it's a 50/50 situation. They're concerned about jobs. They think their jobs are going to be taken. In contrast, when it comes to the graduate students, they're very positive about AI … they think it's an opportunity to grow and just explore.” 

Outside the classroom, the students are considering their future plans and observing University leadership up close has left a strong impression.  

“We helped a lot these last two semesters with a bunch of projects that they were working on for the whole campus, and it does feel like I've made an impact,” Simon said. “I would like to get my master’s, maybe even my doctorate. I'd like to teach, one day.”

"I’ve had so many voices around me telling me 'You can do it. You are on the right track,’" Mbanga said. “I would love to explore other places. It would depend on where I find an opportunity. But also, I want to do my master’s in business in AI.”  

For Academic Year 2026-2027, the President’s Fellowship program will be open for full-time undergraduate students at the University at Albany with junior standing. For more information on application requirements and deadlines, visit the President’s Fellowship Program webpage.