COLUMBIA, SC – April 8, 2026- In an effort to provide peer-to-peer support to the Benedict Campus, 14 Peer Ambassadors and their advisors obtained SMART Recovery Certification sponsored by BC Resist Overcome Achieve Rise (BC R.O.A.R.).
Adrien Montalvo, program coordinator, and Social Work Assistant Professor Dr. Kennard DuBose, program director, earned the certification and led the effort for the students to complete the self-paced training to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate SMART Recovery meetings.
Montalvo says, “Receiving the SMART Recovery training is meaningful for our Peer Ambassadors because it equips them with tools to provide peer-to-peer support to students who may be navigating substance use or recovery challenges. While they are not counselors, the training helps them feel more confident starting supportive conversations and connecting students with appropriate campus resources.”
SMART Recovery meetings are evidenced-informed recovery method grounded in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that supports people with substance dependencies or problem behaviors to build and maintain motivation, cope with urges and cravings, manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors and live a balanced life.
The students who completed the certification are: Taiye Akinjobi, senior, Criminal Justice major; Darren Burch, C’25, Social Work major; Alyssa Gilliam, sophomore, Psychology major; Travis Hunter, sophomore, Finance major; Jason Laing, junior, Electrical Engineering major; Rakeem Laing, senior, Electrical Engineering major; Trissania Lawrence, senior, Biology major; Shiasia Moore, junior, Business Administration major; Jessica Mungo, sophomore, Psychology major; Jaidyn Scott, C’25, Social Work major; Ebony Stuart, senior, Public Health major; Jaivell Taylor, sophomore, Social Work major; Kathleen Thomas, senior, Social Work major; Israel Watkins, C’25, Social Work major.
Taiye Akinjobi, senior, Criminal Justice Major from Charleston, SC. “The SMART Recovery training helps me better understand my peers on campus and what they may be going through. It also strengthens my ability to lead in my various roles, including serving as a Resident Assistant,” says Akinjobi. Dr. Kennard DuBose, assistant professor of the Social Work Department, says “By completing the SMART Recovery Training, which is evidence-based, our Recovery Ambassadors serve as “boots on the ground” identifying and connecting students to supportive resources on campus at the Tiger’s Den, such as the Tiger Shop, Tommy’s Closet, and Wellness room/activities offered by BC R.O.A.R program staff.”