Troy Sadler, Ph.D., the Thomas James Distinguished Professor of Experiential Learning at the UNC School of Education, was selected as The Graduate School’s 2025 recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring.
He was recognized by Beth Mayer-Davis, Ph.D., dean of The Graduate School and Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor of Nutrition and Medicine, during the University’s Doctoral Hooding Ceremony held Saturday, May 10, in the Dean E. Smith Center.
“I am thrilled for Troy. This campus – and that especially includes the School of Education – has many outstanding mentors, across all disciplines, who are dedicated to their students’ success,” said Jill V. Hamm, dean of the School of Education and William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education. “The selection of Troy for this recognition speaks to the connections he makes with his students and the impact he has on their scholarship and professional trajectory.”
The selection committee praised Sadler’s commitment to supporting his doctoral mentees; fostering an environment that is supportive, collaborative, and intellectually engaging in the Science Education & Experiential Learning – or SEEL – Lab; and guiding students through all stages of their academic journey.
Rebecca Lesnefsky, one of the inaugural recipients of The Graduate School Dean’s Award, nominated Sadler for the award. “One of the greatest testaments to Dr. Sadler’s mentorship is that I now look forward to advising students someday because of his example,” she wrote. “He sees potential in his students, often before they see it in themselves, and he provides space for us to develop into confident, capable scholars.”
Sadler’s nominations also noted that he creates opportunities for his students to build their professional identities. His doctoral students have worked on major NSF grant-funded projects, been first author on multiple peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals, and made presentations at conferences. Students emphasized that Sadler’s impact as a mentor extends well beyond their graduation and noted his unfailing kindness, humility, and belief in his students.