School of Communication professor Arthur Raney was recently honored with a Graduate Faculty Mentor Award from Florida State University’s Graduate School.

The Graduate Faculty Mentor Award honors faculty mentors whose dedication to graduate students and commitment to excellence in graduate education and mentoring have made a significant contribution to the quality of life and professional development of graduate students at Florida State University.

“I am truly humbled by this honor,” Raney said. “As much as anything, this is a testament to the great students and supportive colleagues with whom I have had the privilege of working over the past 15 years. I am exceedingly grateful for their contribution to my development as a mentor and scholar.”

Raney, the James E. Kirk Professor of Communication and director of doctoral studies, has been at Florida State since 1999.  He was hired at the Assistant Professor rank, promoted to Associate Professor in 2005, and promoted to Professor in 2011.

“Dr. Raney’s work with both master’s and doctoral students has been exemplary and his leadership with our doctoral program has led to many positive changes,” Dr. Ulla Sypher, director of the School of Communication, said. “I consider myself lucky to have him on our faculty.”

Sypher submitted Raney’s nomination, which was supported by letters of recommendation from current students and alumni. 

“Dr. Raney is masterful at simplifying the often-overwhelming challenges of graduate school, helping each of his students find the most efficient path to the next milestone on their academic journey,” wrote a group of seven students who collaborated on one of the letters.

Awards will be presented at the Faculty Awards Ceremony held in Spring 2014 and will include a $3,000 award for each faculty mentor winner.