UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jennifer Graham-Engeland, professor of biobehavioral health and professor-in-charge of the graduate program in the College of Health and Human Development, is the 2024 recipient of the Graduate School Alumni Society Graduate Program Chair Leadership Award.
The award honors faculty members for exemplary leadership that benefits graduate students and faculty in an existing graduate program at the University.
Nominators said there are few people more committed to excellence and that have had a bigger impact on graduate education than Graham-Engeland. They said she transformed the biobehavioral health graduate education program into a more “thriving, vibrant program with highly successful students.”
Notably, her recruiting efforts have been stellar. Since taking over in 2017, she increased highly qualified applicants by 155%, with acceptance rates of 66% to 88%. Nominators said this coincided with a 150% increase in graduate fellowships. Graham-Engeland’s efforts to increase visibility of the program included working with staff to create new marketing materials, developing content outreach materials and creating novel advertisements for Facebook and Google. She also overhauled the graduate student handbook.
“She possesses a unique ability to connect with prospective graduate students, making them feel welcome and valued from the moment they express interest in the program,” a nominator said. “For instance, she connects future graduate students with former and current graduate students prior to them visiting so they can have candid talks about our program and available mentors. Her efforts have undoubtedly played a significant role in boosting our program’s enrollment, successfully attracting top-tier talent from across the country.”
Nominators said Graham-Engeland’s efforts don’t just stop at recruitment. She works closely with current students to ensure they succeed. She meets annually with each student to discuss their goals and future opportunities for success. Nominators cited a massive increase of 100% for peer-reviewed research publications from graduate students as a testament to the success of her advising.
For those who are struggling, Graham-Engeland represents an understanding ear. Nominators said she excels at addressing students facing personal or academic challenges.
“During my time in the graduate program, I faced a series of personal and academic challenges,” a nominator said. “At a point when I felt isolated and overwhelmed, Dr. Graham-Engeland stepped in as a pillar of strength and guidance. She helped me when I needed it most, both academically and personally. She made sure I was OK, found ways to support me and always took time to check on me. Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that her support goes beyond academics. She generally cares about the emotional and mental well-being of her students, ensuring that we not only thrive academically but also find balance and peace in our personal lives.”