I’m honored to have received this year’s Dr. Doug Impact Award from the Department of Marketing at the University of Akron. This award recognizes faculty who have made a positive impact on students, and I’m grateful to be selected.
The award is named after Dr. Doug Hausknecht (Emeritus Professor of Marketing), who spent many years teaching and mentoring students at UA before his retirement. His dedication to students left a lasting mark on the department, and it’s meaningful to be recognized in connection to that legacy.
Working with students has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I appreciate the opportunity to support their learning, growth, and goals — both in and out of the classroom.
Thanks to my colleagues and students for the support and for making this work so fulfilling 🙂
Mentorship has always been at the heart of my work as an educator and researcher, but every now and then, students come along who reaffirm why this work is so meaningful. Anisha Gurung is one of those students.
When Anisha first arrived at The University of Akron, she faced many of the challenges common to first-generation students—navigating academia, finding a sense of belonging, and overcoming self-doubt. It was clear to me that she needed the right guidance and support to bring her potential to light.
Through our mentorship, I had the privilege of witnessing Anisha’s growth firsthand. We worked together on research exploring healthy consumption and well-being among refugee consumers, a topic deeply connected to her own background and experiences as a Nepalese refugee. She not only engaged in rigorous academic inquiry but also co-presented our research at the Society for Marketing Advances (SMA) conference in Tampa. Attending an academic conference gave Anisha the confidence that she, too, could do hard things. From almost-quitting-higher-ed to on-track-to-graduate, she has come quite far 🙂
But mentorship is more than academic collaboration—it’s about instilling confidence, fostering resilience, and opening doors. Through tough love mixed with supportive encouragement, Anisha learned to step outside her comfort zone, develop her voice, and embrace various opportunities.
Anisha’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship in higher education. It reaffirms my belief that when we invest in students—not just in their academic success but in their personal and professional growth—we create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom. As an educator, my greatest fulfillment comes from seeing students like Anisha find their voices, pursue their passions, and go on to inspire others.
I taught her the concept of paying forward. I need nothing in return from this mentorship and from her. However, I encourage her to inspire others, especially from her own community. I have no doubt that she will continue to make a meaningful impact in every space she enters. And for me, this experience reinforces why mentorship isn’t just part of my job—it’s my purpose.
I’m thrilled to announce the return of our Study Abroad Thailand Program in Summer 2025! After the incredible success of the first trip, I couldn’t be more excited to offer students another chance to explore Thailand’s vibrant culture, rich history, and unique business landscape.
The feedback from our former participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how the experience profoundly impacted their personal and academic growth. I’ve also taken valuable lessons from last year’s program and am committed to making next year’s trip even better! From revised activities to deeper cultural and interpersonal connections with the locals, I plan to take this program to the next level.
Stay tuned for more updates on the next chapter of our Thailand adventure. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience 🙂
I wrapped up the semester at Escola Superior de Comunicação Social this week. The students gave final presentations on different trends and topics in Integrated Communications. I learned a lot about Portuguese media trends and culture from the students’ presentations. We ended the semester with an international potluck where all of us brought food from our countries to share. It was an incredible experience to be able to teach in another country and culture that I have never taught before. Thank you Fulbright Portugal and The Fulbright Program for this amazing opportunity to live and work in Portugal hashtag#fulbrighthashtag#Fulbrighterhashtag#fulbrightportugal
Sydney Chinchanachokchai, Ph.D. 