Faculty Mentor Award

The Alden Poole Faculty Mentor Award recognizes one faculty member in Ifill School who has had a profound impact on the life, career or direction of students at Simmons University.

The Award is named in honor of Professor Alden Poole (Department of Communications, 1955-1986) and his exemplary work helping students achieve their potentials, including his formative role in the life of Gwen Ifill ('77, '93HD).

Mentoring takes many forms as faculty support students inside and outside the classroom in their intellectual, professional, civic, and personal growth. This faculty member should exemplify Simmons’ commitment to preparing students to become lifelong leaders in their professions and in their communities.

Beginning in 2018 with the launch of The Ifill School, the annual Poole Award showcases our faculty’s role in a transformative education that links passion with purpose. Selection is based on alumnae/i nominations; any current Ifill School faculty member is eligible.

Recipients

2024

Lena Zuckerwise, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Politics and Policy

2023

Bri Martino, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Communications

2022

Bob White, Professor of Communications

2021

Laura Prieto, Professor of History and Women's & Gender Studies and Alumni Chair in Public Humanities

2020

Marda Messay, Assistant Professor of French and Francophone Studies

2019

Erica Moura, Assistant Professor of Practice, Radio Station Director and Faculty Director in Student-Driven Media

2018

Cathryn Mercier, Professor and Director of the Children's Literature Program and Director of the Center for the Study of Children's Literature