Ronet Bachman,
professor of sociology and criminal justice, has received a 2020-21 College of
Arts and Sciences (CAS) award for excellence in faculty mentoring.
She was among nine
faculty award recipients selected throughout the College in a variety of
categories. CAS Dean John A. Pelesko recently surprised each of the honorees
with an in-person or virtual visit during a class or event to announce and
present the award.
Following are more
details about Bachman and the tribute Pelesko offered.
Ronet Bachman has
mentored colleagues in her department as well as graduates while they pursued
their academic careers. Her work is described as “exemplary and longstanding,”
showcasing her dedication, generosity of time and knowledge, and the ability to
give constructive feedback, support and high levels of encouragement.
Colleagues have
praised her help, encouragement and support, including her ability to “push you
to pursue opportunities you did not think you could obtain” and her willingness
to share advice, ideas and experiences while allowing mentees to confide in her.
They said she has celebrated their personal and professional accomplishments,
as well as comforting and consoling them during difficult times.
“Ronet has the rare
gift of making people feel special, and I am ... so thankful to have had the
opportunity to learn from her,” one colleague said. “Ronet has helped me become
a better professor, researcher, chair and mother. ... I can think of no one who
is more deserving of a mentoring award.”
Calling Bachman “my
rock,” another faculty member noted that she is always accessible to those
seeking advice, adding, “She has been exceptional in assisting me navigating
the demands of professors, ranging from where to submit articles, what courses
to take on and how best to work with students.”
Bachman said she
takes mentorship seriously because “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the
wonderful mentors in my own life.”
“I am also honored
to be in a profession where I am constantly growing through my reciprocal
learning experiences with students,” she said. “I learn so much from my
students. When a student asks how they can thank me, I tell them to pay it
forward like I have, and they do. It has been such a gift to get students in
our graduate program who have actually been mentored as undergraduate by some
of my former students. How amazing is that – a beautiful circle of learning!”
