FSU Presents the Outstanding Mentor Award to Three Faculty Members

Nov 1, 2018 2:20 PM

Frostburg State University presented the Outstanding Mentor Award to three new nominees at this year’s Career Expo luncheon. The three recipients were Dr. Paul Bernhardt of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Daniel Moorehead of the Department of Sociology and Dr. Thomas Sigerstad of the Department of Management.

Bernhardt, an associate professor of psychology, was nominated by 2011 graduate Melanie Rowe-Partridge. Bernhardt was acknowledged for his hard work and dedication to have his students understand his material and succeed in other areas as well. “As an advisor, Dr. Bernhardt was inviting and invested in our success. After taking several of Dr. Bernhardt’s classes, I can say that I truly appreciated his commitment to teaching, focus on material and overall enthusiasm in his role as a professor and advisor,” Rowe-Partridge wrote.

Moorehead was nominated for his outstanding teaching and support for his students by 2009 graduate Laura Nichols. “He was so endearing and truly cared about students. He was always there to talk if you needed it, whether it be about school work or not,” Nichols wrote. Moorehead has worked at FSU for 12 years in the Department of Sociology. He also strives to make a “learning community” in his classrooms, and he genuinely wants his students to succeed. Moorehead is also involved in school committees, such as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Handbook Subcommittee.

Sigerstad was nominated by Nicole D’Atri, a 2008 graduate, for his excellent teaching skills and genuine support for his students in and outside of class. He has worked at FSU for almost 20 years. “Putting aside what I learned from Dr. Sigerstad in the classroom, he also helped me grow as an individual. He saw my discomfort at public speaking and pushed for me to be more involved. He helped me build confidence through our many one-on-one meetings,” she wrote. Even today Sigerstad still makes himself available to his former students, she said.

The Outstanding Mentor Award is presented by the FSU Career and Professional Development Center. For more information, call 301-687-4403.