Servicing first-year students
The Alpha Program is designed to guide first-year students in developing skills, behaviors and attitudes that lead to college success. The Office of Admissions admits students to the Alpha Program who are able to thrive with the opportunity and support that the program provides. Upon enrolling at Western, first-year Alpha students become part of a community of fellow Alpha students, upper-class Alpha student mentors and supportive faculty and staff.
Carmen L. Bell, M.M. (she/her/hers)
Carmen is a higher education administrator, educator, and composer with over a decade of experience in student success, program development, and inclusive learning. As Program Manager of Academic Support Programs at Merze Tate College, she leads initiatives that support first-year students through strategic advising, curriculum design, and community engagement.
Carmen has held roles in enrollment services, academic advising, and multicultural education, including teaching at Kellogg Community College and coordinating inclusive programming at Lansing Community College. Her creative work as a composer explores storytelling and cultural identity through music.
Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Davis serves as the Academic Support Specialist for the ALPHA Program, where he is dedicated to empowering students as they navigate their own unique paths to success. A proud TRIO and ALPHA alumnus and a first-generation college graduate, Jonathan understands firsthand the transformative impact of student support programs. He holds a bachelor’s degree from WMU and brings both personal experience and professional commitment to his work.
Guided by the belief that “success isn’t linear—keep moving forward,” Jonathan strives to meet students where they are and help them grow from there. His student-centered approach focuses on building genuine connections, offering guidance, and providing resources that help students define and reach their own version of success.
Whether he’s mentoring first-generation college students, coordinating academic services, or collaborating with campus partners, Jonathan is driven by the mission to open doors for others just as they were opened for him. He is passionate about fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where every student has the tools and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Jayla West
Jayla graduated from Michigan State University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at WMU. A proud first-generation college student, Jayla is deeply committed to supporting others—especially high school students—through the transition to college life.
In addition to her academic and professional interests, Jayla is passionate about staying active. She was a four-year varsity swimmer in high school and swam on and off during college as well. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, playing tennis when her schedule allows, and exploring new ways to stay physically active and connected to nature.
Borsha Podder
Borsha Podder is a Computer Science major with a Mathematics minor. As an Alpha Mentor, Borsha is here to support you in your academic journey, help you find your rhythm in college life, and share tips that have helped them thrive at WMU. When Borsha is not coding or solving math problems, they are usually with my cat—who, fun fact, is always on high alert as if she's about to hunt a bird. Borsha is excited to get to know each of you and help you build confidence and community this semester!
Farah Ayubi
Farah Ayubi is a second-year, undergraduate majoring in Statistics at WMU. Farah will serve as a peer mentor beginning fall 2025. Farah has watched so much anime, they could probably write a thesis on character development and still pass stats with it. If you see Farah running, it’s probably from deadlines or spoilers.
Jordan Moore
Jordan Moore is a Finance major with a minor in Human Resource Management and currently serves as President of the LIFE Registered Student Organization (RSO). Passionate about helping students succeed beyond the classroom, Jordan is dedicated to preparing college students for life after graduation. He also holds the role of Academic Support Specialist for Merze Tate College, where he works closely with students to foster academic achievement.
Outside of academics and leadership roles, Jordan enjoys giving back through volunteer work, particularly through organizing blood drives and engaging in community outreach. He is committed to creating meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community.