Suzanne Thompson, Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Russian and Slavic Studies, is the recipient of the College of Humanities 2024 Distinguished Undergraduate Advising/Mentoring Award.
“I have had ample opportunity to witness and to attest to Suzanne Thompson’s incredible service as our departmental undergraduate advisor and her excellence in this role. I constantly see her with students in her office, both during and outside her posted office hours,” wrote Department Head John Leafgren in nominating her for the award. “Suzanne creates a welcoming atmosphere in which our students are encouraged to think of our department as a second home. She regularly invites students to have lunch with her and in many other ways keeps them engaged with our department and its students and faculty.”
In the 12 years Thompson has served as the department’s undergraduate advisor, she has guided hundreds of Russian majors and minors through their academic requirements, while carrying a heavy teaching load. Still, she also devotes time to writing letters of recommendation for students, maintaining the department’s undergraduate listserv, keeping students informed of upcoming opportunities and events and is instrumental in efforts to recruit students, Leafgren said. And even though she is on a nine-month contract, she regularly meets with students and prospective students during the summer as well.
“Having worked 12 years in the Soviet Union and post-soviet Russia, she has a true passion for Russian culture and the Russian language, which she enthusiastically shares with our students, our majors and minors and potential majors and minors,” he wrote. “Suzanne’s academic and other life experience put her in a unique position to advise students in their future plans, both academic and non-academic. From students I hear nothing but the highest praise for Suzanne as an advisor and mentor.”
Indeed, numerous students also wrote letters in support of the nomination.
“Among all of those talented faculty members and mentors I’ve had the privilege to work with, Professor Thompson stands out as someone distinctly committed and attentive to the success and belonging of students in our College of Humanities community,” one student wrote. “From the day she welcomed me into the Russian Department as a fledgling major, to the six courses and many advisement appointments we’ve had together, her dedication to her students and their interests over the years has been exemplary.”
“Like many, my first semester at the University of Arizona began virtually. As a result, it was difficult to connect with professors, students and advisors,” wrote another student. “I met Professor Thompson when she went out of her way to introduce herself and the department to me via phone call. We spoke on the phone about potential career opportunities and life on campus. She shared her experience with me as a Russian language learner and comforted me when I was uncertain about my future. She constantly shares exciting opportunities with students through email and during classes. As a student, I feel extremely lucky to have an advisor and professor like Professor Thompson.”
“The simple fact that I have taken several courses with Professor Thompson should speak volumes – such is the appeal of her teaching methods, course materials and genuine passion for the field,” wrote another. “She takes an active interest in her students and encourages them to pursue academic opportunities within the department and elsewhere. Having Professor Thompson in your corner can make a world of difference. As I enter my final academic year at the University of Arizona, I attribute a lot of my success to her support.”