Three Psychology Faculty awarded Teaching & Mentoring Awards
Each year Student Success Retention & Innovation (SSRI) recognizes faculty and staff who support University of Arizona students through the Student Success Awards. This year, three Psychology faculty received awards in the following categories: Inclusive Excellence, Outstanding Mentor & Wildcat Achievement. Psychology is a proud leader in teaching excellence. Read more about the our faculty and the awards they received below:
Outstanding Mentor Award: Christy Ball, M.Ed.
Recognizes someone who provides outstanding mentorship and guidance for new staff/employees
Christy Ball, M.Ed., has made an extraordinary impact on student success at the University of Arizona through her extensive and continuous mentorship efforts. As the Director of Undergraduate Career Development, Christy mentors undergraduate students across the department, providing personalized guidance through formal programs, one-on-one interactions, and career-focused curriculum.
Christy oversees the peer mentoring program within the Undergraduate Psychology Exploration Program (PSY 197A), which pairs junior and senior mentors with first-year students. This program not only fosters a sense of belonging but also supports academic and personal growth. Under her leadership, the program reached a record number of students in Fall 2023, serving 300 first-year psychology majors.
Beyond the peer mentoring program, Christy mentors social media and marketing interns, guiding them in creating impactful campaigns that engage students with departmental resources and events. Her mentorship extends through her career-focused courses, where she helps students align their academic paths with career goals, develop professional skills, and navigate job and graduate program applications.
Christy’s dedication to student success is also evident in her leadership roles, including serving as the faculty advisor for PSI CHI, organizing career workshops, and contributing to campus-wide professional development initiatives. Her tireless commitment to mentoring students, coupled with her innovative approach to career preparation, has profoundly enhanced student engagement, retention, and career readiness at the University of Arizona.
Inclusive Excellence: Linda Hollis, Ph.D.
Recognizes an individual for their contributions to higher education and student persistence through creating access and inclusion in their department.
Dr. Hollis’s contributions to student success are both profound and far-reaching. Her innovative teaching approaches, particularly in online education, have transformed how students engage with and understand aging issues. Her commitment to accessibility ensures that online students have equal opportunities for independent study and mentorship, an effort that levels the playing field between remote and in-person learners.
Dr. Hollis’s exceptional dedication to student success is evident through her numerous contributions to the Healthy Aging programs and her innovative teaching methods. She played a pivotal role in launching two full certificate programs – one for undergraduates and one for community members – and developed multiple courses that have directly impacted students’ learning and growth. Her initiative to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in these programs has created equitable learning opportunities for both on-campus and remote students. For example, Dr. Hollis’s work in developing and launching the Life Lessons Mentorship Project, where students interview older adults, has profoundly impacted students’ personal and academic growth. One student was so inspired by the project that they changed their career path to work in dementia rehabilitation, while another mentor was so moved that they planned to incorporate the student’s final project in their obituary. These anecdotes showcase not only the academic impact of her work but also her ability to foster personal connections and transformations.
Dr. Hollis’s commitment to equity extends beyond her classroom. She mentors students transferring from community colleges through culturally responsive support programs, ensuring they feel valued and supported. Her work with Quality Matters demonstrates her dedication to maintaining high standards of excellence in online education, ensuring all students have access to quality learning experiences. Dr. Hollis’s work has left an indelible mark on the University of Arizona and serves as a model of how to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering educational environment for all.
Wildcat Achievement Award Winner: Adam Lazarewicz
Awarded to someone who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the University of Arizona, student success and retention.
Adam Lazarewicz makes an exceptional contribution to student success at the University of Arizona through his dedication to evidence-based teaching, innovative program development, and strategic use of assessment to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. As an associate professor of practice, Adam ensures that his courses are engaging and accessible, creating a space where students feel valued and supported in their academic journeys. His teaching style, informed by regular student feedback, not only enhances learning outcomes but also empowers students to thrive academically and personally.
Beyond the classroom, Adam’s leadership of the Psychology Department’s curricular assessment has led to meaningful changes in program design and policies, directly benefiting students by aligning their educational experiences with their goals. Through initiatives like the Psychology Discovery, he has created an invaluable outreach initiative that bridges the gap between K-12 education and higher education. This program introduces local 5th–12th grade students to psychological science through hands-on activities, while also providing undergraduates with opportunities to gain valuable teaching and research experience. This program not only inspires future generations but also empowers our current students with leadership and experiential learning opportunities that are critical to their academic and professional development. His commitment to continuously refining these programs based on data and feedback exemplifies his proactive approach to student success.
Adam’s role as Chair of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee further demonstrates his dedication to student success. He has been instrumental in shaping an inclusive and supportive curriculum that aligns with the diverse needs of our undergraduate students, contributing to their academic progress and retention. His innovative approach to curriculum design, combined with his mentorship of undergraduate research assistants, underscores his commitment to creating a comprehensive and supportive educational experience. In every role he holds, Adam is deeply invested in the success and well-being of his students. His work consistently reflects his passion for education, his dedication to inclusivity, and his ability to inspire both students and colleagues alike.
Updated: 02/13/25