Dr. Janet Woodruff-Borden Awarded with 2016 Provost’s Award for an Exemplary Director of Graduate Studies

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is proud to announce that our faculty member, Dr. Janet Woodruff-Borden, has been chosen as the winner of the 2016 Provost’s Award for an Exemplary Director of Graduate Studies.

This award is given by the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies to a full-time faculty member assigned with advising graduate students about program requirements, career prospects, funding possibilities, and other pertinent matters. Evidence of exemplary DGS work might include mastery of the program’s disciplinary and professional regulations, advocacy on behalf of students (with SIGS and mentors), development of curricular innovations designed to improve retention and degree completion, enhancement of student academic and professional development initiatives, and a commitment to strategic advising aimed at helping students identify areas of interest and matching students to appropriate professional opportunities and mentors.

Dr. Woodruff-Borden has been at the University of Louisville for 26 years, and has served at the Director of Clinical Training (DCT) for a combined total of 12 years (2001-2004, 2007-present). In addition to serving as DCT, she maintains an active research lab, acts as a clinical supervisor in the Psychological Services Center, and participates in University service activities. Dr. Woodruff-Borden was nominated for this award by Dr. Cara Cashon and Dr. Suzanne Meeks, and was supported by numerous department faculty members and clinical graduate students. The letters of support included in her nomination recognize her rigorous advocacy for students, persistent engagement in program assessment and improvement, effective leadership, and major role in maintaining a high level of excellence in the clinical doctoral training program. One clinical graduate student states that “the level of generosity of time and energy from Dr. Woodruff-Borden in supporting the individual professional development of me and my fellow students has left an indelible impression on me and has undoubtedly impacted the trajectory of my career.” Another student recognizes that “Dr. Woodruff-Borden serves as not only the backbone, but also the heart, of the program.”

Dr. Woodruff-Borden will receive the award at the Doctoral Hooding and Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 13, 2016, 3:00PM, at the KFC Yum! Center.