Mentor of the Year
The AWHE Mentor of the Year Award will be presented annually to someone who has been or is currently a mentor in AWHE’s Mentor Program. The award will be given to the nominee that demonstrates mentoring excellence. They have had an impact on mentees through their accessibility and availability while serving as a role model for mentees.
2025 Winner
Dr. Arezu Corella
2025 AWHE Mentor of the Year
Dr. Arezu Corella currently serves as the Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment
Management and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Arizona, she oversees Undergraduate Admissions Processing, Enrollment Management Systems and Communication, and Enrollment Analytics. Her work is rooted in creating efficient, accessible processes that support prospective students and their families while aligning with institutional goals.
Dr. Corella’s dedication to mentoring is a cornerstone of her work in higher education. In 2004, she founded the Peer Mentor program for first-year psychology students at the University of Arizona, driven by her own experience as a peer advisor during her undergraduate years. Her passion for student support and mentoring grew as she pursued her dissertation, which focused on the role of peer mentoring and first-year success courses. Over the years, mentoring has remained near and dear to her heart, shaping her professional journey and informing her leadership. Three years ago, Dr. Corella led the development of the Arizona Women in Higher Education Mentoring Program, which has grown under her leadership from 7 mentors and 21 mentees to 15 mentors and 48 mentees, engaging professionals from institutions across the state. She serves on the program’s executive board and continues as a mentor, driven by her belief in the transformative power of mentoring to elevate both individuals and communities.
Dr. Corella holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Higher Education,
and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education from the University of Arizona. Her
contributions have earned her numerous awards, including the University Leadership Award from Eller College of Management’s Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things, Department Award for Excellence, Admissions Processing Unit, and University Staff Award for Excellence as well as multiple recognitions for her commitment to student success, advising, and leadership. A proud alumna of the University of Arizona, Arezu’s professional journey reflects her unwavering commitment to equity, mentorship, and the development of programs that foster belonging and growth. Her career has been a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and intentional leadership in shaping meaningful change within higher education.
Past Honorees
2024 Winner
Christina Ngo
2024 AWHE Mentor of the Year
Christina Ngo serves as ASU’s Executive Director of Social Embeddedness within the Office of University Affairs. She has extensive experience in education as a K-12 teacher and higher education administrator. Christina’s work focuses on advancing the mission of the New American University by evaluating university-wide social embeddedness efforts and initiatives. She facilitates and amplifies collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships and innovations across the university and throughout our communities.