The Power of Mentorship

Dear Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff,

Welcome back from what I hope was a truly restful and rejuvenating spring break! As we step into the brightening days and the renewed energy of this season, I encourage you to bring that sense of possibility and refreshment into your academic endeavors. The final months of our semester—marked by longer, warmer days—are before us, and together, we have the chance to make them deeply productive and meaningful. 

I’m pleased to announce that pre-registration for Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 courses will soon be underway. Students, please reach out to your advisors to discuss your academic trajectory and plans for the future. Faculty, thank you for making yourselves available to guide students as they make important decisions about their courses, research and professional paths. These early conversations are integral to ensuring that students make informed choices aligned with their academic and career goals. 

In the spirit of connection and support that Villanova so proudly fosters, I’d also like to highlight the profound significance of mentorship—particularly during times when our social and cultural landscape can feel uncertain and even volatile. Mentorship in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has always been more than a professional exchange; it involves personal growth, mutual support and shared learning. The relationships forged between mentors and mentees can help us navigate academic challenges, personal transitions and the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

In periods of conflict or discord, these connections become all the more essential. A supportive mentor can offer stability and understanding, providing you with the tools and confidence to face obstacles head-on. Likewise, a curious mentee can invigorate mentors, prompting them to explore new ideas and perspectives. Every interaction can be an opportunity for growth if we approach it with openness and empathy. 

To our graduate students: schedule time with your mentors, ask questions and seek guidance. To our faculty: please continue encouraging your students and welcoming their curiosity. And to our entire Villanova community: remember that we find our greatest strength in the bonds we form with one another. By nurturing these connections, we stand prepared not only to thrive academically but also to face any challenges that come our way, knowing we are not alone. 

May your collaborations be fruitful, your goals achievable, and your spirit resilient in the weeks ahead. Let us all embrace this season of renewal with hope and determination, supporting one another on our individual and collective journeys. 

Warm regards,

Emory H. Woodard IV, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Villanova University Master of Public Administration (MPA) student Nika Kirillova '25 MPA took first place in the University's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on February 21 in the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts for her presentation, “Leading Against the Odds: Women’s Leadership Challenges and Strategies in the Nonprofit Sector.” 3MT is a competition for master’s and doctoral students to cultivate their academic, professional, presentation and research communication skills. To be successful, competitors must effectively explain their research in three minutes, in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Kirillova advances to the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools regional competition on April 25. READ MORE

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to integrate diverse fields of knowledge is essential across all industries. With that in mind, Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is launching a new graduate program—a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies—to address this need by offering a flexible, customizable curriculum designed to help professionals thrive in a global society. The program enables students to develop expertise that aligns with their career goals, personal interests, and the evolving demands of society. READ MORE

Kevin Crail ’24 MA blends his graduate studies with his teaching, an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to think critically, engage in meaningful discussions, and view problems from multiple perspectives. Crail’s graduate education, as well as directed readings with Education Professor Jerusha Conner, PhD, expanded his understanding of the connections between history, media and power. These experiences shaped his ability to engage students in discussions that challenge their assumptions and deepen their understanding of the world around them. READ MORE

Preview Day: April 5

Do you know a prospective student who would be interested in attending graduate school at Villanova's College of Arts and Sciences? Encourage them to attend the Grad CLAS Spring Preview Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, in the Connelly Center. Preview Day is an in-person experience where students have the opportunity to explore the Villanova campus, meet with the Office of Graduate Studies staff, engage with faculty from their program of interest and meet potential fellow classmates. While Preview Day is designed for admitted students, prospective students are encouraged to attend. 

Summer Internship Grant Application: Deadline April 6

The Villanova University Career Center (VUCC) is offering summer internship grants to eligible graduate students pursuing unpaid or underpaid summer internships. The maximum award amount is $6,000 per student. Applicants will be judged on need, the experience, and how closely the experience fits with career goals. Visit this website for more information.

CONCEPT Recognition Ceremony: April 11 

Celebrate the official launch of the 2025 issue of CONCEPT, our interdisciplinary journal of graduate studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on Friday, April 11, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Driscoll Atrium. The ceremony will recognize this year’s Graduate Research Prize for top paper, along with all of the student authors and editors, faculty editors and peer reviewers. Visit the CONCEPT website to learn more about the journal and to browse past volumes.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities  

Open Graduate Assistant, Tuition Scholar, and Graduate Assistant Hourly positions are posted online. New opportunities are being added regularly, so please visit the site often!

Graduate Student Mentorship Grand Rounds

This new series allows faculty to collaboratively discuss and gain feedback on challenging mentorship cases in a supportive environment. These sessions are open to all faculty, whether experienced or new to mentoring. The interactive sessions will provide a supportive environment where faculty can present and discuss real-life mentorship challenges, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights from their peers. They will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Vasey G12 Conference Room. Lunch is provided. Register here for the March 19 and/or April 7 sessions.