Jane Cavender, Professor of Biology
The 2022-23 Polanowski Prize for Excellence in Faculty-Student Advising and Mentorship recipient is Jane Cavender, Professor of Biology. The award is presented to an Elizabethtown College faculty member to commend and celebrate excellence in advising and mentoring students toward successful graduate school placement and/or careers.
“For me, the Polanowski Prize is the highest honor I can receive from the College,” Cavender said. “I am blessed to have Frank Polanowski as a dear friend; and, to have so many wonderful students in my life. Helping all of my students succeed in life is why I love being at Etown. I mentor in the Polanowski-style, also known as ‘tough love,’ so the fact that students felt I was worthy of this award should make Frank happy! To all of my past, present, and future students, I thank God every day for you.”
Professor Cavender will be recognized for her achievements during the closing reception of Etown’s Scholarship and Creative Arts Day (SCAD) on Tuesday, April 25 in the Bowers Center for Health, Fitness and Well-Being.
Congratulatory Statement from the 2022-23 Polanowski Prize Selection Committee:
The selection committee noted Dr. Cavender’s commitment to her students’ success through outstanding mentorship and advising. Students shared how she immediately made a positive impact on their education that begins during their first year and continues beyond their time at Elizabethtown College, as a majority of her students pursue graduate degrees in the biomedical field.
Dr. Cavender mentors between five to 10 research students in her lab each semester and has served as the Internship Director for the Biology Department, a role that goes beyond her college duties and academic load. Other notable achievements highlight Dr. Cavender’s involvement with Masonic Village. Within the last five years, she has created a Certified Nursing Program that allows students to earn direct patient hours, a requirement for students who enter the Physician Assistant programs and other related medical fields.
All students commented that Dr. Cavender’s “tough love” style of mentoring prepared them for academic success in Ph.D. and M.D. programs and beyond. She was also noted for her sense of humor and friendship. Some highlights by students include:
“I am very fortunate to have had Dr. Cavender be a mentor, professor, and friend since my early days attending Etown, and all the way up until my senior year, she is still shaping my life and my research skills for the better. She goes out of her way to help her students and pushes them to their potential whether they know it or not.”
“She is realistic and honest, and does not sugarcoat her expectations. This stems from a sincere care for her students and a desire to see the best of their abilities drawn out from them. This made me a far better student, and I directly contribute to Dr. Cavender’s mentoring style with my success in graduate school. While her expectations are high, her door is always open to her students and she is always willing to help them grasp concepts and ideas.”
Congratulations, Dr. Cavender, for the recognition and celebration of your advising and mentoring!
About the Polanowski Prize for Excellence: