The Graduate School is pleased to announce the winner of the inaugural Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award: Mary Dueñas, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Dueñas also serves as the director of the graduate program in college student personnel and her selection is based on her ability to offer unwavering support, compassionate guidance, and a genuine investment in the growth of graduate students. 

Nominations for her attested to how she has been pivotal in changing the lives of graduate students who may be struggling with feelings of being unprepared or out of place. By making these students feel seen, heard, and validated, she helps them find the strength to persevere. She takes the time to understand the needs and goals of her mentees, so that she can provide thoughtful, personal advice on research, scholarship, and professional development. Dueñas does not simply direct students, but she empowers them to achieve their own personal vision. 

The Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award was borne out of the understanding that mentoring graduate and professional students can be critical to their success. Recognizing exceptional faculty in this area shines a light on the importance of this part of the work of faculty at UT. Clearly, Dueñas is a fitting recipient for the first Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award.