Blais and Ciampa Receive 2025 Nicola Mare Usher SBS Outstanding Advising Award

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The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 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. This award honors Nicola Mare Usher, a beloved Department of Communication advising team member who passed away in 2023. 

Vanessa Blais
Academic Dean, SBS Pathways Center

Vanessa Blais is the embodiment of compassionate, knowledgeable, and student-centered advising. As an Academic Dean in the SBS Pathways Center, Vanessa not only guides students through complex academic decisions, but also supports and mentors the entire SBS advising community.

Vanessa is a trusted expert on university policies and academic regulations, often serving as the go-to resource for faculty and advisors across campus. Her deep institutional knowledge and commitment to equity have improved advising practices at every level. She regularly spots and corrects gaps in university systems like Navigate360 and has led collaborative efforts to revise unclear policies in areas like re-enrollment and academic appeals.

Her colleagues describe Vanessa’s mentorship as “legendary.” She personally trains new advisors, organizes professional development, and fosters a strong, supportive network for Exploratory Track advisors, many of whom consider her guidance foundational to their success. Whether she’s co-authoring new advising tools, developing student-centered appeal processes, or comforting a colleague with a home-cooked meal, Vanessa’s impact is both professional and deeply personal.

Students describe her as perceptive, honest, and unwavering in her commitment to their growth. Colleagues see her as a moral compass, a community builder, and a role model for holistic advising. Her thoughtful leadership has shaped not just individual careers but the entire advising culture within SBS.

Vanessa doesn’t just advise. She empowers, mentors, and transforms those around her. Her work exemplifies the heart and mission of the Nicola Mare Usher SBS Outstanding Advising Award.

John Ciampa
Senior Academic Advisor, Department of Journalism

John Ciampa is a trusted, compassionate, and visionary advisor whose impact on the Department of Journalism has been extraordinary. A UMass Journalism alumnus himself, John returned to campus as an advisor in 2019 and has since elevated the department’s approach to holistic, student-centered advising.

John is widely recognized for his deep commitment to student success, especially among first-generation, Mass Transfer, and neurodivergent students. He offers empathetic, thoughtful support, whether helping a student through a mental health crisis, guiding them through academic and career decisions, or staying in touch well after graduation to offer encouragement and job advice.

Beyond traditional advising, John has built out the department’s entire internship and career development infrastructure. He leads resume workshops, maintains a curated job board, and teaches the Journalism Launchpad course for seniors, offering students a personalized pathway from college to career. His biweekly internship newsletter is now an essential resource for students across concentrations.

John’s tireless dedication is matched by results: advising satisfaction in Journalism consistently ranks among the top at UMass, and 90% of students report completing internships, a testament to his career prep efforts.

Students and faculty alike describe John as a calming, affirming presence who goes “above and beyond” with every interaction. His kindness, integrity, and practical support help students not just navigate UMass, but thrive.

John Ciampa is more than an academic advisor. He is a mentor, advocate, and cornerstone of student success in SBS.

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 vising the SBS Staff Awards page to learn more about the complete nomination requirements and a list of all past winners.