Associate Professor Cassandra Simmel Receives Rutgers Chancellor Award for Excellence in Mentoring

Cassandra Simmel, an associate professor and PhD program director at the School of Social Work, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Chancellor Award for Excellence in Mentoring at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

The award, part of the university’s annual Chancellor and Provost Awards for Faculty Excellence, recognizes faculty members whose outstanding mentorship supports the professional growth and success of students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career colleagues. Dr. Simmel was honored among a select group of faculty recognized for exceptional contributions across teaching, research, and service.

A nationally recognized scholar in child welfare and adolescent development, Dr. Simmel’s work focuses on improving outcomes for youth involved in or at risk of entering the child welfare system. Her research examines the intersection of mental health and child welfare services, with an emphasis on informing policy and practice to better support vulnerable populations.

In her role as PhD Program Director, Dr, Simmel has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentoring emerging scholars. She is known for fostering inclusive, supportive academic environments and for guiding doctoral students through rigorous research training, professional development, and career advancement.

“Whether mentoring doctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, or early career faculty, mentoring is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job,” Dr. Simmel said. “Mentoring has been a particularly rewarding and enriching scholarly experience for me in my more than 20 years at Rutgers University.”

The Chancellor Award for Excellence in Mentoring highlights the vital role faculty play in cultivating academic excellence and advancing Rutgers’ mission. Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected for their sustained impact on mentees and the broader academic community.

Dr. Simmel’s recognition reflects the Rutgers School of Social Work’s ongoing commitment to mentorship, scholarship, and public impact. Her achievement builds on a strong tradition of faculty excellence within the school and underscores the importance of mentorship in advancing research, practice, and social change.