Heller and Samuels Receive 2026 Nicola Mare Usher SBS Outstanding Advising Award

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Each year, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst recognizes advisors whose work goes far beyond course selection and degree requirements. The Nicola Mare Usher Outstanding Advising Award honors those who play a transformative role in students’ academic journeys, personal growth, and sense of belonging.

The 2026 award celebrates two exceptional advisors: Dorise Heller and Shawn Samuels. Through their dedication, innovation, and deeply personal approach to advising, both have made a lasting impact on students and their academic communities.

Dorise Heller
Director of Undergraduate Advising, Resource Economics

As Director of Undergraduate Advising in the Department of Resource Economics, Dorise Heller has redefined what effective, student-centered advising can look like at both the individual and programmatic levels.

Since joining the department, Heller has led initiatives that have strengthened advising systems, improved student outcomes, and expanded access to opportunities. One of her most significant contributions has been the development of a comprehensive Academic Alerts process. By working closely with faculty and personally following up with every alert, she has ensured that students receive timely, meaningful support. These efforts have led to increased engagement and measurable improvements, including a substantial reduction in student dismissals and suspensions, even as enrollment has grown.

Heller’s impact extends beyond intervention efforts. She has played a key role in strengthening recruitment and retention, including contributing to the successful renaming of the Resource Economics major to Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. This effort, combined with her direct outreach to prospective students, has helped drive significant increases in applications and enrollment.

While her program-level contributions are impressive, it is Heller’s personal approach to advising that sets her apart. Students consistently describe her as accessible, compassionate, and deeply invested in their success. She takes the time to understand each student’s goals and challenges, providing guidance that integrates academic planning with personal well-being and career development.

Her impact is especially evident during moments of crisis. Students recount how she has supported them through housing instability, academic setbacks, and personal challenges, offering not only practical solutions but also reassurance and encouragement. Whether helping a student recover from academic suspension or guiding another through a campus emergency, Heller brings a steady, thoughtful presence that helps students regain confidence and move forward.

Heller’s commitment often extends beyond what is expected. She remains accessible even during busy periods, follows up with intention, and consistently prioritizes student needs. Her work exemplifies a holistic approach to advising, empowering students to take ownership of their education while feeling supported every step of the way.

Shawn Samuels
Senior Academic Advisor, Public Policy

As Senior Academic Advisor in the School of Public Policy, Shawn Samuels is known for his adaptability, leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success. His impact has been particularly evident during periods of transition and growth, where his initiative and positive outlook have helped shape a stronger advising environment.

When the School of Public Policy was restructured to incorporate Legal Studies, Samuels volunteered to take on the challenge of supporting a large and complex student population. His willingness to step into this role helped ensure a smooth transition, transforming what could have been a difficult adjustment into a successful reorganization.

Samuels consistently demonstrates a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. He has embraced new advising practices, including developing structured graduation plans and implementing outreach systems to support students facing academic challenges. His work with academic alerts and proactive communication ensures that students receive timely support and that no one falls through the cracks.

In addition to his technical and organizational contributions, Samuels is an engaging and effective communicator. He has introduced group advising sessions that foster collaboration among students, encouraging them to learn from one another while building a sense of community.

Samuels’ leadership has been especially critical during times of uncertainty. When colleagues were unable to be on campus due to injury or family emergencies, he stepped up to maintain continuity of advising services, managing high volumes of complex student needs with professionalism and care.

What truly distinguishes Samuels is his holistic approach to advising. Students describe him as empathetic, accessible, and deeply supportive. He builds meaningful relationships, offering guidance that extends beyond academics to include career planning, leadership development, and personal growth.

A Shared Commitment to Student Success

While their approaches and contexts differ, Dorise Heller and Shawn Samuels share a deep commitment to advising that transforms student experiences.

They are problem-solvers, mentors, and advocates. They build systems that support success while also forming meaningful connections with the individuals they serve. Their work demonstrates that advising is not only about navigating requirements but also about empowering students to overcome challenges, pursue opportunities, and achieve their goals.

The 2026 Nicola Mare Usher Outstanding Advising Award recognizes their exceptional contributions and celebrates the vital role advising plays in shaping student success across SBS. 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.