Indianapolis, Indiana – The Ron and Laura Strain Honors College at the University of Indianapolis recently honored Dr. Candice Burkett, an assistant professor of psychology, with the prestigious 2025 Honors Mentor of the Year award. This award, given annually, recognizes a faculty advisor who has played a pivotal role in shaping their students’ academic journey. The recipient of this recognition must demonstrate a commitment to guiding students toward both academic excellence and professional success, particularly through mentorship on Honors proposals and projects.
Dr. Burkett’s selection for the award reflects her deep dedication to student success. She oversees the Study of Cognition Contradictions and Misconceptions at UIndy, a research initiative that examines how individuals process contradictory information. Her research has not only advanced the field but has also served as an inspiration for numerous Honors students who have been encouraged to explore cognitive science under her mentorship.
Her passion for mentoring is widely recognized by both her students and colleagues alike. According to one of her peers, “Dr. Burkett is a phenomenal mentor. She puts in countless hours for students to provide individualized support. Not only this, but she has cultivated a community among her students so that they help and support each other. In short, through her work with Honors students, Dr. Burkett has enriched the community of our entire department and provided a model for what undergraduate students can achieve through scholarship.”
For Dr. Burkett, the connection she builds with her students is integral to their growth and success. Her students frequently commend her for going above and beyond to ensure they thrive academically and professionally. One student shared, “Dr. Burkett continuously supported me throughout all steps of my Honors project and life in general. She never failed to answer a quick question (or rather long ones), squeeze in time to meet with me, or teach me how to do something, not only in her class but outside of it as well. She has been a huge influence in my psychology education here at UIndy.”
These testimonies of her unwavering dedication paint a picture of an educator who does more than simply teach; she empowers students to explore their passions, overcome challenges, and grow into capable scholars.
Dr. Burkett’s approach to mentorship goes beyond offering advice and guidance—it is an invitation for students to engage in collaborative research that fuels their curiosity and personal growth. “One of my favorite parts of teaching is working with students on research projects rooted in their own interests and passions—and the students at UIndy are truly exceptional,” Dr. Burkett explained. “Every student I’ve worked with brings a deep-rooted curiosity, and part of my role as a research mentor is to help channel that curiosity into meaningful, focused projects. I strive to tailor each experience to the individual, creating an engaging and personally relevant research process. I hope this approach helps students see research as a creative and enjoyable way to explore the questions that matter most to them.”
Her ability to individualize the learning experience, to meet students where they are, and to foster an environment of intellectual exploration and camaraderie, has made her a standout mentor. Dr. Burkett’s work with Honors students has not only contributed to their academic development but also created a culture of mutual support within the department. Her mentorship has equipped students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of research while encouraging them to approach academic challenges with creativity and enthusiasm.
The recognition of Dr. Burkett as Honors Mentor of the Year is a reflection of the high regard her colleagues and students have for her. Her ability to inspire and motivate those around her is an essential part of her legacy at UIndy. She has cultivated an environment where students not only excel in their academic endeavors but also become part of a broader community of learners, all working toward shared goals of intellectual growth and professional development.
As Dr. Burkett continues to work alongside the next generation of scholars, her commitment to fostering curiosity and academic excellence remains unwavering. Her role in guiding students, particularly through the Honors College, has left an indelible mark on the UIndy community, and this well-deserved recognition affirms her status as one of the institution’s most dedicated and impactful mentors.
In the end, Dr. Burkett’s success as an educator lies in her ability to connect with students on a personal and academic level, to help them navigate the complexities of research, and to inspire them to pursue their own intellectual journeys. For her, mentorship is about creating opportunities for students to not only excel academically but to also find passion and fulfillment in the pursuit of knowledge. Through her guidance, many students have gone on to explore fields with a newfound sense of purpose, and in doing so, they’ve made a lasting impact on the UIndy community.
