Graduate School Assistant Dean Speaks at CURENT Student Seminar
February 2nd, 2012
Graduate and undergraduate students attended the first in a series of professional development seminars hosted by CURENT this afternoon. Dr. Ernest Brothers, Assistant Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Tennessee, spoke about mentorship to the group of 30 students this afternoon.
"I'm hoping that these students will realize that they are not alone in this (academic) process, and that they don't have to rely on receiving mentoring from just one person," said Brothers. "You're not limited to your own discipline; you're not even limited to your own culture and race."
Through the presentation, students were exposed to various mentorship theories, and they were encouraged by Dr. Brothers to also be open minded about reaching out to others.
"I realized that we are all expecting to have mentors, but we forget that we should return the favor and become a mentor for others, too," said Kumar Prabakar, a Ph.D. student in the center.
Brothers addressed the benefits of students both finding and becoming a mentor while pursuing their degrees. He also talked about how mentorship can create a support system for young people who are preparing for the jump into life after college.
"Often times, we don't realize that we're in need of mentoring. Even once you finish school and get into the professional world, there still has to be someone giving you guidance on how to navigate the process," said Brothers.
The professional development seminar series will continue to feature prominent members of the academic and professional communities on a monthly basis. 
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