May 14, 2015
Huge congrats to Dr. Cassie Scharber, who was honored this past week with tenure, a promotion to associate professor, and an Outstanding Advising and Mentoring Award — all very well-deserved! The advising award came from the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) at the University of Minnesota. Through this award, GAPSA seeks to recognize faculty members who are exemplary in their role as a mentor and adviser. The selection committee recognized advisers who help students set realistic expectations, provide opportunities for professional development and/or research, and overcome personal and professional challenges.
At the awards ceremony last week the following comments were made concerning Cassie's work with graduate students:
One of your students wrote, "Is Cassie Scharber a PhD angel? She stands by me, she believes in me, and she lets that be known." We at GAPSA were impressed to hear that you were "arranging advising meetings every two weeks," thus helping your students to stay on track. Some of your students wrote that "your calming demeanor and ability to truly listen to your students is what sets you above the rest." They also pointed out your help in securing competitive awards. They emphasize that you "repeatedly demonstrate a genuine interest in not only their academic success, but also on their physical and mental wellbeing."
Cassie has been an assistant professor in the Learning Technologies program since 2009. She is a former recipient of the CEHD Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle Rising Star Faculty Award. Her research and teaching explore literacy within educational contexts and the opportunities technology offers in aiding the transformation of teaching and learning.