The BEAR BRIDGE Outstanding Mentoring Award is offered to a tenured professor or faculty, and is selected by the Provost Fellow for Faculty Development and the Deputy Provost.

Dr. Ismet Anitsal was nominated for the 2021-2022 award based on exceptional mentoring to junior faculty during the tenure track process. He received a commemorative plaque during the meeting of the All Faculty Welcome Back Lunch on Thursday, August 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the PSU Ballroom.

According to Dr. Chris Craig, Deputy Provost, “We thank you for your exemplary service and advising contributions to our new faculty, and we want you to know that your efforts are appreciated by our university community.”

In response to receiving the award, Dr. Ismet Anitsal writes:

I am truly honored to receive the Bear Bridge Outstanding Mentoring for Faculty Award. I would like to, especially thank Dr. Craig and Dr. Martínez for developing this one-of-a-kind mentoring program and continuing to support and sustain it from the bottom up.

During my time in the Volunteer State of Tennessee, I came to an appreciation of what a true volunteer is, and seek to apply it in my professional career. Once I came to Missouri, I wanted to bring that spirit with me to work. As this is the Show-Me State, my philosophy of mentoring was even more aligned with Missouri State University. Whenever there is an opportunity, I try to help junior faculty to achieve their goals. I see mentoring as a relay race and hope that today’s mentees will be the next to take the baton on.

I have enjoyed spending time with my mentees and showing them available routes and strategies to the multiple dimensions of scholarship. In our periodic meetings, I had been flexible with agenda items based on the specific needs and priorities of my mentees. My goal has been to help them on how to develop themselves professionally to attain their fullest potential in their careers. Eventually, my hope again is that they will take initiative to become a mentor and help other new faculty and students.

Congratulations on the achievement, Dr. Ismet Anitsal!