Grant Goodman award recognizes psychology professor for outstanding mentoring

LAWRENCE – A University of Kansas professor of psychology known for her commitment and accessibility as an adviser has been recognized with the first-ever Grant K. Goodman Undergraduate Mentor Award.

Evangelia Chrysikou was nominated by students to receive the award. They all expressed appreciation for her individualized mentorship, which continued even after students were no longer taking a course with her.

The students’ comments exemplify the criteria of the Grant K. Goodman Undergraduate Mentor Award, which is to recognize a faculty member who is an outstanding teacher in and out of the classroom. Additionally, the award calls for mentors who are selfless with their time and experience and who continue to have lasting mentoring relationships with students long after they leave the classroom.

“Dr. Chrysikou has been a consistent academic support system for me throughout my undergraduate career. If I became too stressed or needed guidance, I always knew I could email Dr. Chrysikou and ask to meet,” said Claire Gorey, who graduated in December 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science. “I know that my and Dr. Chrysikou’s mentoring relationship will last throughout my academic career. I owe my acceptance into graduate school to her.”

The award was established in honor of Grant Goodman, an emeritus professor who retired in 1984 after more than 20 years at KU. Goodman was a history professor and an influential member of the KU Center for East Asian Studies. He died April 6.

A student and mentee of Goodman’s, Michael Priddy provided support for the award, along with his wife, Fangjie Liu. Priddy, who received a bachelor’s degree in economics from KU, credited his professor and longtime mentor with helping him in many milestones throughout his life, including establishing a children's learning academy and meeting his spouse.

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences administered the award. Funds for the award are managed by KU Endowment, the independent nonprofit foundation serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences encourages learning without boundaries in its more than 50 departments, programs and centers. Through innovative research and teaching, the College emphasizes interdisciplinary education, global awareness and experiential learning. The College is KU's broadest, most diverse academic unit.