Drew Dolan, PhD, Awarded Graduate Faculty Mentor Award

Drew Dolan, PhD, Awarded Graduate Faculty Mentor Award

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has awarded the Graduate Faculty Mentor Award to Drew Dolan, PhD, professor and program director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in the Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis. Dolan will be recognized at the Graduate School's Fall Awards Reception in October and will receive a $500 honorarium for his outstanding contributions to graduate education.

According to the nomination from a graduate faculty peer, Dolan's dedication to student mentorship has significantly enhanced the academic and professional development of his graduate students. His role encompasses not only academic advising but also sustained developmental mentoring, assisting students in clarifying research interests, refining professional goals, and navigating personal and academic challenges.

"Great graduate programs are built on great mentors, and Dr. Dolan is a testament to that truth," said Christopher Slaten, PhD, Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. "His dedication to his students is exactly the kind of faculty commitment that defines graduate education at SIUE. It is a privilege to recognize him for this award and to set a high bar for those who will follow."

Colleagues have observed Dolan's commitment to student success. He invests significant time in helping students develop decision-making skills and professional judgment that serve them beyond the degree program. His approach combines rigor with empathy, providing clear guidance while maintaining high expectations.

Under Dolan's supervision, students frequently produce high-quality applied research demonstrating both technical competence and policy relevance. He is known to encourage them to think beyond minimum requirements, help frame projects that inform practice, contribute to professional presentations, or serve as writing samples for employment applications. In several instances, he has supported student research projects to secure employment opportunities.

Dolan is deeply invested in students' professional trajectories, providing substantive career coaching, reviewing resumes and cover letters and discussing how students can articulate the value of their graduate training to employers.

His proactive advising plays a critical role in student retention and timely degree completion.

"I first experienced the value of proactive mentoring when completing my MPA and Ph.D. My mentor, Dr. James Banovetz provided invaluable advice and direction that I still incorporate into my teaching and service," said Dolan. "Our students trust us with their time, resources, and futures. I believe that each student deserves the time and resources necessary to assist them in finding the right classes and direction necessary to aid them in building a solid foundation for their future career aspirations. Equally, it is important to help them be successful in earning their degree by aiding them in balancing course load and selections with the demands of their professional and personal lives."

Dolan earned his PhD in Political Science with an emphasis in public policy, public administration, and local government administration. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rockford College, and an Associate in Applied Science in Business from Rock Valley College.

His research interests include studies on rural local governments and schools, managing small cities and counties, and the impact of fragmented government. He has served as a consultant to numerous nonprofit and local government organizations, focusing on areas such as leadership, local government structure, program development, and staff development.

PHOTO: Drew Dolan, PhD, winner of the Graduate Faculty Mentor Award