At the University of Denver, student support is everywhere—but some faculty members take it to the next level. These professors advocate for, uplift, and, most importantly, mentor their students in meaningful ways.
Now in its eighth year, the Faculty Career Champion Award, presented by DU’s Career and Professional Development office, recognizes faculty who go above and beyond to help students build lives and careers of purpose. Below is a snapshot of seven of the awardees and what the students who nominated them had to say about their impact. You can watch a video featuring all 20 nominees and their nomination statements here.
Michele Tyson, clinical associate professor in the Morgridge School of Education, received three nominations, including one from Jackie LaVigne, who graduated last spring with a master’s in higher education. Tyson always looks for ways to ensure future student success, LaVigne says, like inviting partners from the career center into the classroom to answer questions and creating opportunities for students to apply course material to relevant roles on campus or to future roles. In addition, La Vigne says, “Michele embodies professionalism as a mentor, while also showing empathy, compassion, and vulnerability in conversations about challenges and uncertainty in this work that we all do.”
Trent Bunnell, adjunct professor in the College of Professional Studies, received high praise from Visu Kaki, who this summer graduated with a master’s in information technology and project management. Despite never taking a class with Professor Bunnell, Kaki was encouraged by friends to reach out to him for career guidance. He offered her specific, actionable feedback on her resume and LinkedIn profile, helping her present her experiences more confidently and professionally. “Even more importantly,” Kaki says, “[he] took the time to understand my background and aspirations, motivating me to look beyond my perceived limits and explore new opportunities.”
Dheepa Sundaram, assistant professor of religion in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, was nominated by David Kemp, a doctoral student in religious studies. “I have never met a professor who is as dedicated to seeing their students succeed as Dheepa and as equipped to actually ensure those students do succeed,” says Kemp. Her support ranges from preparing undergraduates interested in graduate work to helping doctoral students prepare for their exams, dissertations, or academic careers—while also assisting students when she can with research or external projects like grants and fellowships. Through it all, Kemp adds, Sundaram “always uses inclusive language, approaches students from a position of care and respect (even if it’s tough love!), and creates assignments with multiple ways to fulfill them.”
Shenhaye Ferguson, adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Social Work, has been a model educator and source of inspiration for graduate student Rani Brar, who emphasizes the impact of Ferguson’s empathy and compassion in the classroom and beyond. “Through dynamic class discussions and innovative assignments, she strengthened my communication and creative-thinking skills while consistently encouraging ethical reasoning and professionalism in both classroom and real-world contexts,” Brar says, adding that she admires Ferguson’s humility and commitment to helping students flourish. “Dr. Ferguson takes the time to mentor, encourage, and support students through personal and academic challenges, often going above and beyond without seeking recognition.”
Bernard Chao, professor of law and Maxine Kurtz Research Scholar at the Sturm College of Law, served as a guiding light for recent graduate Zane McNeill. Chao opened doors and helped shape McNeill’s career trajectory through his encouraging and inclusive approach. “He treated me like an equal, and that respect made me get involved in a field I never considered being part of before meeting him,” McNeill says. Chao’s mentorship also created tangible opportunities: “He inspired me to become a research assistant in a privacy law foundation, reviewed and edited two papers that I published in law reviews, and recommended me for a position at a law firm after I graduated.” McNeill said Chao’s commitment to student achievement and long-term success is both exceptional and deeply influential.
Betsy Leonard, community engagement specialist in the Morgridge School of Education, made a lasting impact on Stephanie Avery, a recent master’s graduate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on special education. Their relationship was pivotal for Avery and her career: “Dr. Leonard recognized my potential as an educator before I fully saw it in myself, and her unwavering belief in me has been transformative,” she says. Leonard’s mentorship provided her with the tools and confidence to grow as an educator and to create meaningful experiences for her students—and it continues to inspire her to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Reflecting on their connection, Avery adds, “I am immensely grateful for her impact on my career path.”
Mac Clouse, Sorensen Distinguished Professor of Finance in the Daniels College of Business’ Reiman School of Finance, played an instrumental role in Sydney Fairbairn’s journey at DU. A senior majoring in finance who’s set to graduate this winter, Fairbairn says Clouse has supported her both professionally and academically—connecting her with internships, contacts, and networking opportunities. His compassion and commitment, she notes, extend to all of his students: “Not only does he do everything in his power to connect his students, share opportunities, and help them get where they want to be, but he also checks in on them.” Clouse’s mentorship, she adds, seems boundless; several professionals she’s met through networking have also credited him with shaping their own careers. “He is the epitome of a career champion,” Fairbairn says, “and his impact spans decades across the business world.”