Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Awards!

In recognition of the critically important role that mentors play in supporting undergraduate and graduate student research and creative activity, the Office of Student Research offers two annual Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Awards for outstanding mentorship. The Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in mentoring and supporting student researchers. Strong nominations demonstrate excellence in mentoring by supporting and influencing students’ educational and career paths. Examples may include peer-reviewed publications involving Longwood students; student presentations or awards; and evidence of continued success of mentored students.

This year, the OSR awarded two Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Awards: one award is for assistant professors, lecturers, clinical educators, or librarians who have 6 or fewer years of service at Longwood and one award is for associate or full professors, senior lecturers, senior clinical educators, or librarians who have more than 6 years of service at Longwood. The Advisory Board for the Office of Student Research selected the award recipients.

• This year, the Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award for assistant professors, lecturers, clinical educators, or librarians who have 6 or fewer years of service at Longwood was awarded to Dr. Heather Kissel, Department of Psychology.

In the nomination form, Dr. Kissel's students said:

“Dr. Kissel is always available to meet with me, eager to assist me in any way she can. She goes out of her way to organize individual meetings with me to hear about my grad school interviews, expressing that she cares about me and my future. Furthermore, I am beyond grateful for her assistance in teaching me how to create a curriculum vitae for my application to graduate school. She always has high expectations for me, which motivates me to create the best work that I possibly can. When I am unsure of myself, I know that I can rely on Dr. Kissel for support, mentorship, and guidance in every way.

Over the course of our time working together, Dr. Kissel has proven to be an exceptional mentor in every sense of the word. Her extensive knowledge in the field is immediately evident; she has consistently provided me with thoughtful guidance, helping me navigate complex psychophysiological concepts and methodologies with clarity and confidence. What sets her apart, however, is her genuine accessibility. Despite the demands of her own research and professional obligations, she has always made time to meet with me, answer my questions, and offer constructive feedback whenever I need it. This level of availability has been instrumental in my development as a researcher. She also encourages semesterly bonding experiences with the other lab members, which makes working together all the more enjoyable. Beyond the technical aspects of the field, she has also invested in my broader professional growth, offering advice on academic and career pathways, encouraging me to think critically, and pushing me to reach my full potential. Through her mentorship, I have not only gained a strong foundation in psychophysiology but have also developed the confidence and skills necessary to present my research in the largest conference for undergraduate research in the U.S. Dr. Kissel has also been instrumental in motivating me to pursue graduate school by helping me highlight my research in application and writing recommendation letters. I am deeply grateful for her continued support and dedication to my success."

• This year, the Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award for associate or full professors, senior lecturers, senior clinical educators, or librarians who have more than 6 years of service at Longwood goes to Dr. Hannah Dudley-Shotwell, Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars and the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy.

In the nomination form, Dr. Dudley-Shotwell's student said:    

“Dr. Dudley-Shotwell has consistently been the epitome of an exceptional mentor. In the classroom, her passion and deep understanding of the academic material is undeniable. Dr. Dudley-Shotwell is incredibly knowledgeable in her field and has the unique ability to translate advanced concepts to a non-specialist audience. She not only makes the information accessible to her students but makes herself easily reachable and readily available. I have spent hours sitting in her office for various reasons, and she’s never made me feel unwelcome or as if I am interrupting her day. After taking a U.S. History class with Dr. Dudley-Shotwell, she noticed the topics that I gravitated towards and encouraged me to explore the WGST minor. After the first class, I was completely hooked. Women and Gender studies have had a huge impact on my academics, personal beliefs, and how I conduct myself as a citizen leader. Additionally, Dr. Dudley-Shotwell encouraged me to take the Place and Voice Brock Experience, which completely transformed the way I think and learn. Her extensive knowledge in this field makes her the perfect guiding light for me and other young adults looking to learn more about such an important topic.”

Congratulations to Dr. Kissel and Dr. Dudley-Shotwell!

The Office of Student Research would also like to recognize the following 11 faculty who were nominated by their students for the Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award this year:

Dr. Brian Bates, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice

Dr. Rhonda Brock, Department of English and Modern Languages

Dr. Julian Dymacek, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Dr. Alison King, Department of Social Work and Communications Sciences and Disorders

Dr. Kathryn Miller, Department of Nursing

Dr. Sanish Rai, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Dr. Ravi Sankar, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Adrienne Sudbury, College of Business and Economics

Dr. Denis Trubitsyn, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Yulia Uryadova, Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy

Dr. Tom Wears, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Congratulations to these inspiring mentors!

If you would like to learn more about getting involved in research at Longwood University, please visit Longwood’s Office of Student Research website http://www.longwood.edu/office-of-student-research/

or contact Amorette Barber, Director of the Office of Student Research (osr@longwood.edu or barberar@longwood.edu).