Kusum Singh receives Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising

Kusum Singh of Blacksburg, professor of educational leadership and policy studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, was recently honored with the university's 2008 Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising.

Established by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, the Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising is presented annually by the Office of the Provost to recognize Virginia Tech faculty who have been particularly dedicated and effective in the advising of graduate students. Recipients may be nominated by university faculty or students, are selected by a committee of former award winners, and are awarded a $2,000 cash prize.

Singh has a prolific record of advising activity. She is the current chair of four Ph.D. committees, and has served as chair or co-chair of more than 30 Ph.D. committees. She currently serves on 17 dissertation committees, and has been a member of more than 50 successfully completed dissertation committees from multiple departments, including education, psychology, business, engineering, and human development.

As a teacher of quantitative research methods, she is highly sought after as an advisor and teacher. Students appreciate her ability to translate challenging information into useful knowledge. Students say she has a rare gift of communicating well about complex topics without sacrificing academic rigor.

“Dr. Singh is an outstanding advisor, helping her students achieve their fullest potential as scholars and human beings,” wrote Katherine R. Allen, professor of human development, in her nomination letter. “She actively assists her students in finding desirable positions both in academia and research organizations through her professional networks. She is known for the excellent personal and professional support she provides her students, as an advisor who pushes them to reach their full potential by creating a nurturing environment and by setting high standards for academic performance.”

Singh received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Agra University, India, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.