UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — "Stern yet warm, like a favorite aunt." Those were the words used by a nominator when discussing Stephanie Danette Preston, associate dean for graduate educational equity and chief diversity officer for graduate education with the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, as she was recently nominated for and then selected as the 2024 Faculty Mentor of Year for the Sloan Scholars Program.
Preston was honored this fall at the annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring hosted by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Now in its 31st year, the institute gives the issue of faculty diversity a national focus and provides scholars from underrepresented groups with the strategies necessary to survive the rigors of graduate school, earn doctoral degrees and succeed as members of the professoriate.
For Preston, who oversees the Fox Graduate School’s Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs, leading efforts to increase diversity within the graduate student community across the University, this award was a meaningful one.
“Being recognized by the SREB and the Sloan Foundation at an event focused on helping to support students and their pursuit of higher education is truly an honor,” she said. “Promoting belonging, inclusivity and opportunities for all students is a driving factor in my philosophy as an educator and mentor. I am lucky to work with incredible students at Penn State and being able to be a small part of helping them succeed is a true highlight for me every day.”
Levon Esters, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Fox Graduate School, added, “The mission of the Fox Graduate School is in part to prepare leaders who advance knowledge and understanding and drive innovation, and a key ingredient in pushing that mission forward is through the leadership of our faculty and staff mentors. Dr. Preston is a leader and shining example of putting all students first and providing them the resources and guidance they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
According to the selection committee, what made Preston's nomination stand out is her clear commitment to supporting underrepresented and minoritized students in all aspects of University life, whether it's securing housing or funding, or providing academic support.
“Dr. Preston exemplifies what it means to be an advocate for her community, consistently going above and beyond for her students and staff,” nominator Cierra Chandler, a doctoral student in materials science and engineering, said. “She is not only a champion for our advancement but also someone who takes action — putting her energy, time and resources where her words are.”
During her 11 years at Penn State, Preston has administered, coordinated and evaluated comprehensive recruitment programs and retention activities that enhance the professional development of underrepresented graduate students. She has also represented Penn State as a participant in programs such as the National Science Foundation's Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate and has coordinated the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Scholars Program, all with the goal of supporting those graduate students.
“She gives her all to her students — even when it seems she has nothing left to give — and she never hesitates to fight for our well-being,” Chandler added. “She is a mentor in the truest sense, and Penn State is incredibly fortunate to have her.”