Graduate College celebrates 2024–25 Outstanding Faculty Mentors
The 2024–25 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award recipients at Old Main’s Carson Ballroom. From left: Joshua Daymude, Outstanding Master’s Mentor; Jeffrey Wilson, Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor; and Kelly Jackson, Outstanding Doctoral Mentor. Photo by Tim Trumble
Each year, Arizona State University’s Graduate College celebrates faculty members who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring and supporting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with its Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards.
At a recent ceremony held at Old Main on the Tempe campus, faculty, students and university leaders gathered to honor the recipients of the 2024–25 awards for Outstanding Doctoral Mentor, Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor, Outstanding Master’s Mentor and Outstanding Instructional Faculty Mentor: Kelly Jackson, Jeffrey Wilson, Joshua Daymude and Nalini Chhetri, respectively.
The recipients were nominated by their students for their dedication and impact as mentors. This year’s awardees exemplify ASU’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, inclusion and professional development.
During the event, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College Elizabeth Wentz emphasized the significance of mentorship in graduate education, highlighting its role in fostering a sense of belonging and professional growth.
“Mentorship is a professional, working alliance that supports personal and professional development through career and psychosocial support,” Wentz said. “It’s a reciprocal relationship where faculty not only guide students but also learn from them, strengthening our academic community.”
Attendees at the ceremony also heard remarks from Senior Associate Dean Lisa Anderson, who recognized the contributions of the Graduate Faculty Mentor Academy, a group of past award recipients dedicated to promoting strong mentorship across ASU.
“Mentorship is a collaborative effort, and it is the dedication of our faculty and students that makes it truly impactful,” Anderson said.
To honor the bonds of the mentor-mentee relationship, students who nominated each awardee introduced their faculty mentors before presenting them with their medallions. Following the formal program, attendees enjoyed a reception where faculty, students and colleagues celebrated the impact of mentorship at ASU.
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Kelly Jackson, associate professor in the School of Social Work, delivers remarks after receiving the Outstanding Doctoral Mentor Award. Faculty, colleagues and students gathered to celebrate her and others' excellence in mentorship.
Photo by Tim Trumble
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Jeffrey Wilson, professor in the Department of Economics, delivers remarks after receiving the Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award.
Photo by Tim Trumble
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Joshua Daymude, assistant professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, delivers remarks after receiving the Outstanding Master’s Mentor Award.
Photo by Tim Trumble
Meet this year's award recipients:
Outstanding Doctoral Mentor
Kelly Jackson, associate professor, School of Social Work, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Jackson is an associate professor whose research focuses on the identity development and well-being of individuals of mixed-race heritage, informed by Black feminism and critical (mixed) race theories. Jackson’s mentorship philosophy prioritizes cultural attunement, critical reflexivity and the creation of generative counterspaces for BIPOC students.
“As a mixed, Black and white cisgender woman, I consciously work to ensure that my mentorship does not perpetuate cycles of privilege and oppression,” Jackson said. “I strive to create spaces where all students feel affirmed, supported and empowered to amplify their voices in academia.
Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor
Jeffrey Wilson, professor, Department of Economics, W. P. Carey School of Business
Wilson, a professor of statistics and biostatistics, serves as the associate dean of research and inclusive excellence at W. P. Carey. Since joining ASU in 1985, he has been instrumental in mentoring postdoctoral scholars and junior faculty, championing their career development through university initiatives and professional mentoring organizations. His research spans over 100 publications, with funding from NIH, NSF and USDA.
“My approach to mentoring is centered on mutual respect, professional development and inclusivity,” Wilson said. “I aim to foster an environment where postdocs feel supported in both their research and career trajectories, helping them navigate academia and beyond.”
Outstanding Master’s Mentor
Joshua Daymude, assistant professor, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Daymude specializes in the coordination and emergent behavior of complex systems. His mentorship extends across academic levels, from undergraduate to postdoctoral scholars. He has a joint appointment in both the Biodesign Institute and the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and leads initiatives like the Biocomputing Scholars Program, which has mentored over 60 students and maintained gender parity within its cohorts in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“STEM must represent all of humanity to fully serve all of humanity,” Daymude said. “I focus on empowering students by building their confidence, connecting them to research opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging.”
Outstanding Instructional Faculty Mentor
Nalini Chhetri, clinical professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, College of Global Futures
Chhetri’s interdisciplinary background and commitment to sustainability, social equity and global engagement define her mentoring philosophy. With experience mentoring over 20 PhD students, 15 master’s students and dozens of undergraduates, Chhetri prioritizes individualized mentorship, fostering inclusive learning environments and long-term support for her mentees.
“Mentoring is a privilege, and I take it with great humility and responsibility,” Chhetri said. “I aim to guide my mentees with care, ensuring they flourish in their academic and professional pursuits while emphasizing the importance of empathy and social impact.”
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