The College of Arts and Sciences has recognized Christina Fielder with the CAS Mentoring Award, an honor that celebrates faculty and staff who demonstrate exemplary commitment to mentoring others. Each year, the college presents two awards, one to a faculty member and one to a staff member—to recognize individuals whose mentoring goes above and beyond the expectations of their role.
In keeping with the mission and goals of the College of Arts and Sciences, recipients of the CAS Mentoring Award demonstrate a sustained record of mentoring colleagues, students, or staff. This may include actively supporting others’ professional growth, guiding individuals through challenging circumstances, mentoring large numbers of people, fostering a culture that encourages mentorship, or contributing to best practices in mentoring.
Christina exemplifies these qualities through her thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and commitment to helping others succeed. Colleagues describe her as someone who consistently brings perspective and purpose to her work.
“She makes our work feel so meaningful,” one colleague shared. “She always holds the bigger picture in mind and has an uncanny ability to see how each part and piece fits into that whole. This perspective sets a powerful and motivational tone for our team. She helps us understand why our work matters in the broader ecosystem and how it supports student success.”
Christina is also known for her openness and willingness to support colleagues navigating complex challenges. “Christina is the first person I turn to when I am faced with a policy question or want to rethink a procedure,” another colleague said. “She is generous in sharing her approach and willing to offer honest feedback on both the strengths and challenges of my thinking. Time and time again, she is my first call as I work through complex and unique challenges.”
Her impact extends beyond one-on-one mentoring. During her time in the Staff Leadership Academy, Christina led a project examining advisor salaries and how discrepancies in starting pay can widen over time, negatively affecting staff in colleges with lower initial salary benchmarks. The project continued beyond the academy, ultimately prompting a re-review of advisor starting salaries.
Christina’s advocacy has inspired others to follow her example. “Her work has encouraged me to be a better advocate for my students, my team, and others,” a colleague noted. “I’ve appreciated her willingness to speak up in meetings, and I found myself doing the same when she was promoted and no longer attended the advising leader meetings.”
Through her mentorship, leadership, and commitment to improving the professional environment for colleagues and students alike, Christina embodies the spirit of the CAS Mentoring Award. The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to recognize her lasting impact on the community.