Dodson and Nussbaum Receive 2024 Nicola Mare Usher SBS Outstanding Advising Award

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The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Outstanding Advising Award. Instituted in 2021 to recognize outstanding contributions to the SBS advising program and student success, the award includes a $1,000 prize and a plaque. Last year, the award's name was changed to honor Nicola Mare Usher, a beloved Department of Communication advising team member who passed away in 2023. The 2024 awardees are:  

• Leah Dodson, senior academic advisor, Department of Economics 
• Faith Nussbaum, director of undergraduate advising, School of Public Policy 

Colleagues and students of Leah Dodson nominated her in recognition of her commitment to mentoring her colleagues and the success of the students she advises. Those who work with Dodson note her unfailingly positive attitude, her willingness to assist the newest advising team members, and her enthusiasm for taking on new projects. Even with a full advising schedule, Dodson took on the role of managing the Department’s undergraduate social media, as well as creating graphics and materials for upcoming events.  

Dodson is also known for her unparalleled commitment to the students she advises. She is often in the difficult position of working with students who have arrived in the Department as a second choice. While these students are often concerned that they have not been selected into their first-choice program, Dodson takes the time to hear and address their concerns, often opening their eyes to career options they may not have considered. Overall, her advisees note the care and time Dodson takes to meet their needs and help them through their educational journey. When meeting Dodson for the first time, one student notes, “Immediately, I was met with compassion, dedication, and ultimately a friend who I knew cared about my well-being.”  

Faith Nussbaum has worked tirelessly to advance the new public policy undergraduate major. In addition to developing the program and working with faculty to create a meaningful curriculum, Nussbaum has successfully marketed the major to a diverse array of students. The time required for these efforts is substantial; this year, she has personally contacted over 100 students who have declared public policy as their entry major. Her marketing efforts have extended to contacting on-campus groups and regional high schools with information on the major and encouraging students to apply to the program. Nussbaum is also working on establishing a peer advising program, a Public Policy Club, and an “internship hunting group” to better engage students.  

Nussbaum’s colleagues and students all recognize her commitment to assisting students during their time at UMass. As part of this commitment, she created and teaches a required one-credit professional development seminar, allowing her more advising time with public policy undergraduates. She routinely works with first-generation and under-represented students to ensure they can engage in hands-on learning experiences such as research projects, internships, or meaningful volunteer work. Her emphasis on early interventions has ensured no public policy majors are on probation. One student compliments Nussbaum, saying, “I would never have guessed I would be a semester ahead, [having ] applied for grad school, and even studying abroad, but Faith was there to help me realize what I am capable of!” 

SBS recognizes the outstanding work of these advisors. The Nicola Mare Usher SBS Outstanding Advising Award is presented annually to advisors nominated by their colleagues and students. Please visit the SBS website for the complete nomination requirements and a list of all past winners.