2025 Faculty Award for Graduate Student Mentoring

Together with the Graduate Student Association, the Office of Graduate Studies is pleased to recognize the 2025 winner of the Faculty Award for Graduate Student Mentoring. This award is intended to recognize faculty who serve as exemplary mentors to graduate students in Arts & Sciences. Dr. David Armstrong, Chancellor Professor of Physics, was chosen for this honor based on strong letters of nomination from graduate students.

Award Citation for Professor David Armstrong

In recognition of his exceptional commitment to graduate mentorship, we are proud to honor Dr. David Armstrong with this award. Dr. Armstrong, Chancellor Professor of Physics, has been a cornerstone of the William & Mary academic community for over three decades.

He has fostered a collaborative, inclusive, and professional environment in which students thrive—both personally and academically. His mentorship is characterized by relationships built on trust, as evidenced by consistent and detailed accounts from current and former students who credit their development and career success to his guidance. The distinguished achievements of his mentees are a testament to the effectiveness of his mentorship and his lasting influence on the next generation of scientists.

As the Physics department chair, Dr. Nelson, aptly wrote: “Mentorship in all areas is core to his being.” It is with great admiration and appreciation that we present this award to Dr. David Armstrong for his outstanding mentorship and unwavering dedication to student success.