Presidential Mentors Academy (PMA)

Welcome to the Presidential Mentors Academy

The Presidential Mentors Academy is an immersive scholarship program designed to attract, recruit, and enroll exceptional high school students at the University of North Alabama.

For more than 20 years, the PMA program has helped students discover who they are, grow as leaders, and experience success both inside and outside the classroom. As a student retention initiative, PMA is dedicated to providing the support, resources, and opportunities students need to thrive throughout their college journey.

Through leadership development, mentoring, academic support, and a transformational student experience, the Presidential Mentors Academy helps students build confidence, connection, and a strong foundation for success at UNA.

Program Benefits

The Presidential Mentors Academy provides students with opportunities and support designed to enrich their UNA experience from the beginning.

Benefits include:

  • Scholarship support
  • Early registration
  • Summer Immersion Experience
  • Support and opportunities for study abroad
  • Extracurricular and co-curricular events
  • Leadership development
  • Academic advising
  • Mentoring
  • Additional support throughout the UNA experience

PMA Scholarship & Renewal Requirements

The PMA scholarship is renewable for up to five years for students who continue to meet program requirements.

Freshman
$2,000 annually
27 credit hours by the end of spring semester

Sophomore
$2,200 annually + $500 bookstore award
54 credit hours by the end of spring semester

Junior
$2,400 annually + $500 bookstore award
81 credit hours by the end of spring semester

Senior
$2,600 annually + $500 bookstore award
108 credit hours by the end of spring semester

Fifth Year, if necessary
$2,000 annually

Keep in mind that the total credit hours required to complete a degree at UNA is a minimum of 120 credit hours.

How to Apply

The PMA program is a selective leadership development program for students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service.

Steps to Apply for High School Seniors

  1. Apply to the University of North Alabama.
  2. Once you have applied and been accepted to UNA, apply to the Presidential Mentors Academy through your MyUNA account.
  3. Find the PMA application in the Scholarships list and complete the application.
Apply to PMA

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Presidential Mentors Academy, high school seniors must meet the following criteria:

  • Be admitted to the University of North Alabama
  • Have a minimum ACT/SAT score of 18/960–980
  • Have a minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA
  • Apply through their MyUNA account beginning November 3
  • Submit the PMA application by February 1

UNA note: Confirm whether the November 3 application opening date and February 1 deadline should remain evergreen on this page or be updated annually.

PMA Requirements

Students admitted into the Presidential Mentors Academy must meet renewal requirements in order to maintain their scholarship and graduate as Presidential Mentors.

Freshman Summer Requirements

During the summer before their first fall semester, PMA students must successfully complete PMA summer requirements, including:

  • Living in the residence halls for the month of July
  • Successfully completing two in-person PMA courses totaling four credit hours during the month of July

All expenses for July are covered by PMA, including housing, meals, and courses.

Ongoing Requirements

To remain in the program, students must:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment during the Fall and Spring semesters, with a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester
  • Successfully complete 27 credit hours per academic year during Fall and Spring with an average grade of “B”
  • Actively participate in monthly meetings and events

Important note: Students who lose their PMA scholarship are not able to return to the PMA program.

PMA Staff

UNA note: The PMA home page and team page list different administrative assistant names. Confirm whether the contact should be Ms. Olivia Oliphant or Ms. Candice Buford before publishing.

Dr. Jocelyn Wright
Director, Presidential Mentors Academy
jbarnes2@una.edu
256-765-4524

Ms. Olivia Oliphant
Administrative Assistant, Presidential Mentors Academy
ooliphant@una.edu
256-765-4655

Contact Information

Presidential Mentors Academy
University of North Alabama
UNA Box 5155
Guillot University Center 207
Florence, AL 35632
pma@una.edu
256-765-4655

Ready to Take the Next Step?