Mentoring pivotal to Fequiere ’26 graduating in two and a half years

May 28, 2026

Spring psychology graduate Sebastien Fequiere is living proof that students thrive academically at Columbus State University, completing a four-year undergraduate degree in just two and a half years. His story reflects the impact of faculty mentorship, academic opportunity and student determination at the university, where students are empowered to define their own academic and career paths and achieve their goals on their own timeline.

Graduating in spring 2026 with a bachelor of science in psychology, Fequiere made his early graduation possible through CSU’s new accelerated bachelor’s program. His impressive 4.0 GPA as a freshman in 2023 inspired Dr. Melissa Young, associate vice president for student success, to handpick him for the rigorous pathway that allows high-achieving students to complete their degrees on an expedited timeline. 

He took on a demanding course load of at least five classes each semester, including summer terms: “I was always motivated for school. Ever since I can remember being in school, I’ve always been the type to get it done. I never really had a break except for two weeks before and after the summer,” he said. “People don’t really understand, but this was like a full-time job for me.” 

Originally from New York, Fequiere grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, before moving to the Columbus area while in middle school. He completed his high school diploma virtually through Prairie Adventist Christian eSchool, an online program in Alberta, Canada, before choosing Columbus State for its proximity to home, affordability and campus environment. 

Though he initially considered a career in engineering, his path shifted after discovering a passion for helping others, a realization that came through personal experiences supporting friends in difficult moments. 

“I just really like helping people, and I feel like I can make this a career,” he said. “I had friends in different states going through depression and really struggling. I would tell them, ‘Just calm down and talk to me. I’m here for you.’ And after a couple of hours, they felt better. Moments like that showed me this is what I’m meant to do.”

At Columbus State, Fequiere found the support system he needed to turn that passion into a clear path forward. Faculty mentorship played a central role in his success, from classroom guidance to preparation for life after graduation. Psychology Lecturer Rebecca Dunterman and Associate Professor Brandt Smith provided advice, wrote letters of recommendation for his graduate school applications and helped him navigate the application process. 

His career success coach, Randy McCoin of the Center for Career Coaching, also offered one-on-one support, helping him prepare for interviews and professional opportunities. “I walked into the career center wanting to talk to someone about an interview, and he just happened to be the one who helped me,” Fequiere said.

Beyond individual moments of support, Fequiere credits the collective impact of CSU’s faculty for shaping his journey.

“Honestly, every professor played a role in my academic success, from small to big,” he said. “Even a class like my intro to mathematics course. That professor told me, ‘I think you’re going to do great things in life.’ That really stuck with me and gave me motivation.”

Balancing an accelerated academic schedule required discipline, but Fequiere was intentional about maintaining his social life during his time at CSU: “I still had a social life. I didn’t just disappear into the corner of the library,” he said. “If I’m not in class or studying, you’ll probably find me at the Rec Center playing basketball with my guys.”

His work ethic, he says, is deeply rooted in his cultural background: “Being Haitian, you’ve got to be resilient, determined and focused,” he said. “You don’t take shortcuts; you just keep pushing. Like Kobe Bryant said in his 2009 NBA Finals run against the Orlando Magic, being up 2-0, ‘What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished.’ For me, that means a bachelor’s degree isn’t the end goal; it’s just the beginning of what I want to achieve.”

Even with his accelerated success, Fequiere is mindful that his path is not the same for every student.

“Everyone’s on different paths,” he said. “I was fortunate to be in a position where I could fully focus on school and not work because of my parents. A lot of people are balancing work, life and other responsibilities, so I don’t expect everyone to do it the same way I did.”

After graduation, he will continue his education at the University of South Alabama, where he plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. His long-term goal is to become a therapist and open a private practice.

“I want to help people of all ages, from young adults to seniors,” he said. “That’s the goal.”

As he prepares for the next chapter, Fequiere reflects on the lessons that carried him through his accelerated journey and advises current and future Columbus State students: “Don’t procrastinate. Stay focused and get your work done. Don’t stress yourself out and wreck your mental health. At the end of the day, what matters is that you graduate. Just get to graduation.”

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Averi Morton of the Office of Strategic Communication + Marketing submitted this article for publication.

Media Contact:  Michael Tullier, APR