Astronomy professor, advising coordinator each receive 2025 Excellence in Advising Award

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Robert Morehead, associate teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics in the Eberly College of Science; and Gretchen Samchuck, academic affairs advising coordinator and advising programs manager in the Division of Undergraduate Studies at Penn State Beaver, have been selected to receive the 2025 Penn State Excellence in Advising Award.

The award, established by the former Undergraduate Student Government’s Academic Assembly and sponsored by each college, annually honors one full-time professional adviser and one full-time faculty member from any Penn State location who have at least two years of advising experience. Selection criteria are based on excellence in general advising, academic and career guidance, enthusiasm and assistance in decision making, and goal setting.

Robert Morehead

Morehead remembers his first job in academia. He was working at the media desk of a community college library. His name tag was branded with the slogan “Our mission is student success.” It’s that simple mantra that continues to guide his path as adviser.

It’s easier said than done, he said. Each student is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. His goal also isn’t that they navigate their Penn State path and earn a degree. It’s that they find and excel in productive careers and lives.

“The real objective is that two or three decades from now, they will be leading a content life that aligns well with their values and that their time as our students had a positive impact on their journey,” Morehead said.

Morehead had a hand in reshaping advising in the program. He enhanced advising strategies to support diverse student needs and academic goals, played a pivotal role in aligning the program with professional educational standards and student interests, and developed and refined courses to seamlessly transition students into the major.

Morehead engages these future scientists early through new student orientations designed to introduce them to the major, demystify potential career paths and guide them on a successful academic trajectory. He also teaches a first-year seminar and created a seminar course designed for change-of-campus students and others entering late due to changing majors. He said this space sets them up for success.

“This space has proven to be an invaluable platform for fostering connections, addressing challenges, and empowering students to thrive both academically and personally,” Morehead said.

Morehead is a first-generation, non-traditional student and uses those live experiences to bring a unique perspective to advising.

“My experiences navigating the challenges of academia have given me a profound empathy for the struggles my students face,” Morehead said. “These shared experiences enable me to serve as both a source of reassurance and a tangible example of the success that perseverance and seeking support can achieve. I can authentically say ‘if I can do it, anyone can.’ ”

Students called Morehead an understanding and patient adviser who helped them excel in the program.

“Dr. Morehead has been a consistently helpful adviser for me and other students in the astronomy department,” a student said. “He’s a knowledgeable teacher, and a great member of the department who makes himself available and involved in department activities.”

Gretchen Samchuck

Communication is key for Samchuck. Each appointment is a chance to get to know a student personally and to better understand their academic and professional goals.

“Each appointment is an opportunity to understand the uniqueness of the person in front of me,” Samchuck said. “My goal is to enable the students to feel comfortable enough to share with me who they truly are and what they are looking to get out of their college experience.”

Often these meetings have tangible objectives such as scheduling or enrolling, yet it’s also a chance for her to explore the intangibles. These exchanges often lead to deeper connections.

“These intangibles are often the connection made and the reason a student will schedule their next meeting. They want to continue the conversation,” Samchuck said. “Many will enjoy this dialog, but others may not. They may prefer just the basics of getting a schedule but knowing that I am in their corner is important to me. I want my students to know they have a purpose and sense of belonging in my office. Their success is important to me.”

Nominators said Samchuck is helpful to both students and faculty who have questions about the curriculum. They said she’s skilled at honing in on students’ needs and helping them explore their options at Penn State, including change-of-campus students participating in the 2+2 programs.

Students said she’s a familiar face on campus and always willing to address their needs.

“Since I came to the university, Samchuck has been very happy to help me, and I believe that she is happy to help other students,” a student said. “She’s not just concerned about my academics; she’s concerned about how I’m doing overall.”