The TLC brings out the best in student tutor Elijah Phifer!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Julia Jordan Public Relations student

julia.jordan@selu.edu 

HAMMOND, La. (April 9, 2025) With the Spring 2025 graduation season approaching, student tutor Elijah Phifer has turned his passion for learning and tutoring into a purpose. 

Phifer has been a tutor at the Tinsley Learning Center for the past two years. Though the tutoring position was recommended to him by a friend, it became more than a job.

“After my initial interview with Ms. Marie Bernard and two master tutors, I immediately felt welcomed,” said Phifer. “The environment was warm, fun, and low pressure, yet still deeply professional. I was especially drawn to the opportunities for growth and collaboration,” he said. 

As he prepares to graduate and pursue his Ph.D in computer science, Phifer is a prime example of what the Tinsley Learning Center aims to foster. The center aims to empower students to carry the values of learning and mentorship beyond their college careers.

Student tutor Brailey Babin actively recalls meeting him for the first time in the TLC.

“Elijah is the eighth wonder of the world. Not only is he amazingly kind, he is amazingly compassionate. He is the embodiment of not only what a tutor should be, but what every friend should be,” said Babin. 

Tinsley Director Marie Bernard described what she looks for when browsing for tutor candidates. 

“We look for tutors that are outgoing, bubbly, and vivacious. Someone who is able to take control and manage a student. Elijah is our senior tutor award winner. This award had objective and subjective components. He was chosen by the GAs and peer tutors,” said Bernard.

Phifer tutoring math and science reinforced his academic strengths and enabled him to build entirely new skill sets.

“Working at the TLC taught me how to communicate with a wide variety of people. Those communication skills have been essential in articulating my research interests and academic background,” he said.  

His time at the Learning Center has contributed to shaping his honors thesis which focuses on developing software tools to support students who struggle with study habits. He also became an advocate for expanding their clientele across campus.

“I was constantly pitching ideas to Ms. Marie. Whether that meant reaching out to the computer science classes or creating advertisements, I wanted to help more students find us,” he said. 

After two years, Phifer says he’s walking away with more than just professional experience.

“I’m grateful to walk away with both strong skills and strong relationships. I’ll miss the people more than anything. While I love tutoring, math, and learning, it was the community at Tinsley that made every workday special. My coworkers became my friends and in many ways, an extended family. The support, kindness, and positive atmosphere that Mrs. Marie and the team fostered is truly rare,” he said.

For students looking to join the learning center team Bernard encourages visiting their website. There is a section on their website called, ‘Join the Team,’ where you can find their qualifications and apply.

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 The mission of the Tinsley Learning Center is to engage and empower students to cultivate the skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning. Their core values are we care, we respect, we strive for excellence. We see learning as a process not a product. For more information about scheduling a tutoring or workshop appointment with the Tinsley Center, schedule by going onto their website at http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/cse/tutoring/index.html to sign up. You can also either email tinsleylearningcenter@southeastern.edu or contact Marie Bernard at marie.bernard@southeastern.edu.