Visualize a time in your life when you felt lost and needed support. Do you have that person in mind? For many students at Temple University, that person is Emily Brown. 

When Brown received the email informing her that she had been selected as a recipient of the Betty Stoeckle Scholarship Award, she was sitting in a meeting for New Student and Family Programs at Temple University. 

"I was shocked," Brown said. "I knew I had been nominated, but I wasn't really thinking about it anymore. It was amazing to be recognized." 

The Betty Stoeckle Scholarship Award includes a $2,000 scholarship presented to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding progress in their academic programs. 

For Brown, a master's student in the higher education program at Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the recognition reflects not only her academic success but also her dedication to building community, creating opportunities and helping students feel supported throughout their college journeys. 

Brown came to Temple in fall 2025 to pursue her master's degree. Early in her first semester, she connected with her academic adviser, Assistant Professor Katie Smith, about ways to become more involved on campus. 

"I got my current internship with New Student and Family Programs as a graduate intern for parent and family programs by connecting with my adviser about opportunities within Temple," Brown said. "Dr. Katie Smith connected me with their team, and I applied and was able to join." 

As a graduate student worker with New Student and Family Programs, Brown has become known for something beyond her impressive list of accomplishments: her genuine enthusiasm for connecting with people. 

Whether she's launching new initiatives, organizing events, meeting with students over coffee or building relationships across campus, Brown approaches every opportunity with the same mindset: helping others succeed. 

"I've always loved working with people," Brown said. "Seeing students figure out what they're passionate about and helping them get where they want to go is incredibly rewarding." 

Brown's path to higher education was anything but straightforward. 

Originally from New York, she attended Clemson University, where she entered college as a pre-veterinary student. After switching her major to business management, she discovered a passion for human resources, leadership development and student support through positions in Career Services and Student Leadership and Engagement. 

Those experiences changed everything. 

"I didn't even realize student affairs was a career path at first," Brown said. "Then I started working with students and realized this is exactly what I want to do." 

That realization eventually brought her to Temple. 

"My brother goes here, so I already had ties to Temple," Brown said. "But once I got here, I genuinely couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I've loved my experience." 

From the moment she arrived, Brown wasted little time getting involved. During one of her first conversations with Smith, she immediately asked how she could become more engaged in the university community. That initiative led to opportunities with New Student and Family Programs, the Graduate Student Community Leadership Committee and numerous initiatives across CEHD. 

Her impact has been felt throughout Temple, but one of her most meaningful accomplishments has been helping establish a mentorship program within the college. Inspired by the mentorship opportunities she benefited from as an undergraduate student, Brown saw an opportunity to create a similar support system for Temple students. 

"I wanted students to have someone they could turn to," Brown said. "Having a mentor who has already been through those experiences can make such a difference." 

The program connects students with alumni and professionals who can provide career guidance, graduate school advice and personal support. For Brown, the initiative reflects her belief that meaningful relationships play a critical role in student success. While technology can provide answers, she believes personal connections offer something equally important: perspective. 

"You can always find information online," Brown said. "But having someone who has lived those experiences and is willing to share them with you is invaluable." 

Brown's passion for connection extends into every aspect of her work. Through her leadership with CEHD’s Graduate Student Community, she helped create and manage the organization's social media presence, expand outreach efforts and increase awareness of events and opportunities available to graduate students. 

As she spoke about these projects, one theme emerged repeatedly: community. 

Throughout her graduate experience, Brown has actively sought ways to make students feel seen, heard and supported. 

"I want students to know they have people who care about their success," she said. "Whether that's through mentorship, leadership opportunities or simply helping someone find the right resources, that's what motivates me." 

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. 

Faculty, staff and supervisors consistently recognize Brown's initiative, creativity and willingness to take action. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, she identifies areas where students may need additional support and works to create solutions. 

Brown credits much of her growth to mentors who encouraged her ideas and gave her the confidence to pursue them. 

She specifically highlighted Parent and Family Programs Coordinator Brandy Jericho-Beach, Associate Dean of Student Success Jennifer Johnson and Smith for helping her develop as both a student and professional. 

"They've always supported my ideas and helped me turn them into something real," Brown said. 

Receiving the Betty Stoeckle Scholarship Award reinforced Brown's belief that the work she is doing matters. 

"It motivates me to keep going," she said. "It's rewarding to know that the work is making a difference and that people see the impact it can have on students." 

Looking ahead, Brown hopes to pursue a career in student leadership and engagement, helping students develop confidence, strengthen leadership skills and build meaningful connections throughout their college experience. 

She has lived in seven states — New York, Vermont, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, New Jersey and Pennsylvania — but despite all her moves, she says Temple quickly felt like home. 

"Get involved, ask questions and create the experience you want for yourself," Brown said. 

"There are so many people at Temple who want to help you succeed," she said. "Don't be afraid to reach out and make those connections." 

For Brown, the most meaningful part of her graduate experience is not the award itself but knowing that her efforts have helped create opportunities for others. 

She is especially grateful for her parents, whose unwavering support encouraged her through every change in her career aspirations. Their belief in her and constant encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue new opportunities, embrace new challenges and follow the path that felt right for her. 

Through mentorship, leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success, Brown has already left a lasting mark on Temple's community. If her journey so far is any indication, she's only getting started.