Susan Staples, Ph.D., a dedicated faculty member in the TCU Department of Mathematics, has been awarded the Wassenich Award for Mentoring. Known for her commitment to student success, Staples has significantly impacted the lives of countless students.
The Wassenich Award recognizes faculty and staff who exemplify exceptional mentoring qualities. Over
her nearly three decades at TCU, Staples has served as a mentor, advisor, and role
model. She inspires students to reach their full potential, and her influence extends
far beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Staples was more than just a professor; she was a mentor, a cheerleader, and a friend. Her guidance and support were invaluable to my success,” said TCU Alumna Kelli Pedersen.
Staples’ journey at TCU began in 1995, and since then, she has influenced the lives of numerous students through her roles as a professor, the director of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Mathematics and the director of the TCU Actuarial Program.
Reflecting on one of her earliest mentorships at TCU, Staples said, “I worked extensively to help her not only overcome her mathematical difficulties but also to discover the capable woman she was.” That student later earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, a testament to the impact of Staples’ guidance.
Mentoring, according to Staples, is more than just providing occasional help to individual students. It requires a strategic approach to collective development. “Leading a group of undergraduates through their student career is not unlike guiding a team of inexperienced explorers through a forest,” she explained. “Students come in as individuals, but their chances of survival are greatly enhanced if they share their native capabilities; for this we need team building,” said Staples.
Staples’ efforts have fostered a deep sense of support within the program, so much so that “over 70% of participating companies at the Actuarial Hiring Fair send TCU alumni as their representatives,” according to Staples. This strong alumni involvement highlights the close-knit community she’s nurtured over the years.
“The excellence of her teaching skills and the quality of her character are unmatched…she is truly one of the best in her field,” said Pedersen.
Staples’ dedication to mentoring exemplifies TCU's faculty-scholar model.
