Lisa Bass, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies in the NC State College of Education, has received the 2022 Ebony Harlem Award for Graduate Student Mentorship from NC State’s African American Cultural Center.
The Ebony Harlem Awards ceremony is an annual celebration of Black excellence at NC State and recognizes the efforts and impact of the Black community both on- and off-campus. The program recognizes current students, faculty and staff who reflect and represent the mission of the African American Cultural Center through their leadership, dedication and talents.
The Graduate Student Mentorship Award is given to a faculty member who provides excellent mentorship or advising for Black graduate students and displays a commitment to helping students find success and gratification in their chosen path of study while nurturing their personal and professional development.
When asked how she felt about receiving the award, Dr. Bass stated:
“This award means everything to me. I have worked tirelessly to help students since I taught elementary school years ago, and continue to do so today at the graduate school-level. I feel it’s part of my purpose and my calling.I also get joy from helping students along the way,” Bass said. “Although I do not do what I do for recognition, it felt good to have my work with students noticed and appreciated.”
As an educator and a mentor, Bass said she especially enjoys providing guidance to students who feel intimidated about their degree completion requirements and the dissertation process. She feels a sense of pride when these and other students have breakthrough moments and accomplish tasks they initially believed would be difficult.
She also hopes that, through her mentorship, students learn the value of the ethic of care and pass it on in their own work and to those in their spheres of influence.
Bass’ ability to make “every student in class feel prioritized and cared for” was an aspect of her work that a student highlighted when nominating her for the Graduate Mentorship Award.
“I remember what it was like to be a graduate student and to feel lost at times,” Bass said. “I never want my students to experience that feeling. I want to be available for them and to see them through to the completion of their goals and projects.”
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