The JCU Student Mentor Program was established in 1991, and was the first of its type in Australian Higher Education.

In 2004, the program received a commendation from the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) in recognition of its effectiveness and success.

In 2013, the program received the JCU Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. In the same year, the program received a national citation from the Australian Office of Learning and Teaching for "21 years of an institution-wide program of student peer support that has adapted to the challenges of, and engagement with, increasingly diverse learners".

In December 2015, the Student Mentor Program received the inaugural JCU Award for Excellence in the category of Reconciliation. The award recognised the program for building stronger relationships and demonstrating cultural respect for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2013 presentation of the JCU Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning to the Student Mentor Program team. From left, Peter Hanley, Professor Greg Hill (Vice Chancellor, University of the Sunshine Coast), Lyn Rooke, Alan Calder, Josie King and Melissa Mallie.