Throughout our lives, we as students have looked up to a plethora of people. When we were five, it was Superman and Cinderella. When we were ten it was a professional athlete or a pop star. Then, when we were 15, we started to get an idea of what we truly wanted to be when we grew up, and started looking up to those we knew in those fields.

Now, as we are going through our college careers, the impact that these people have on our lives is crucial. Students at Ashland University are lucky enough to be surrounded by professors that understand the importance of their role not only as a professor, but also as a mentor.

On Feb. 1, eight professors were honored for their impact that they have on student’s lives so far in their academic careers at the Academic Mentor Recognition.

These eight professors were honored at a luncheon in Upper Convo where they received engraved plaques with their nominees by their side.

Provost Dr. Frank Pettigrew spoke briefly on the importance of being a mentor, and the impact that their actions had on students not only today, but for the years to come.

The first professor to be recognized was Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis. Abreu-Ellis was nominated by Abbie Carle because of the way that she “demonstrates the values that she teaches daily to her students”.

Larissa Berry nominated Dr. Jason Brent Ellis after he was so supportive of her experience in a study abroad program. Not only did Dr. Ellis encourage success but he also encouraged confidence.

Mr. Tim McCarty—a professor that “dares students to dream, create, and to be unique”—was nominated by Megan Wise.

Ms. Judi McMullen, a leader both inside and outside of the classroom, was nominated by Rebecca Reed for allowing students to believe in their capabilities.

Dr. Joe Mackall was nominated by Jacob Ewing. Dr. Mackall not only impacted Ewing, he gave Ewing a “direction and drive that has re-defined his entire life”.

Dr. Brent Mattingly was lucky enough to be nominated by two students this year.

Rachel Carson felt that Dr. Mattingly deserved the mentor award for the confidence that he helped her learn by relating his classroom lessons to ‘real-world’ concepts.

Sarah Guarino felt that Dr. Mattingly earned the award for the guidance he gave her as a new student in the psychology department.

Dr. Cindy Moseman received the award for her support academically, emotionally, and medically, for Jessica Bates.

The final award winner was Dr. David Vanata. Ivana Petrovic believed that Dr. Vanata’s openness as a professor has allowed her to grow as a person, and help her become a leader.

Professors such as these allow not only the students, but the university as a whole, to truly embody the slogan “Accent on the Individual”.