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| Derlic and Kokkalera at ACJS meeting in Chicago |
“To receive this recognition was unexpected,” Kokkalera said.
“I was really surprised because it’s early in my career. I’m grateful to my
colleagues, collaborators and especially students.”
The ACJS Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes educators who
have made a significant contribution to the professional development of criminal
justice graduate and doctoral students and junior faculty members. To be
considered, nomination letters are submitted on behalf of the faculty member. Kokkalera
was nominated by Dragana Derlic, program coordinator of criminal justice and
criminology at Kentucky Wesleyan College. The two met through a professional
mentorship program and have been collaborating on various projects over the
past years.
“I wanted to thank Stuti for her unwavering support and
mentorship and in a way that would celebrate her and her professionalism and
dedication,” Derlic said. “Stuti has been a true inspiration to me, her support
and exceptional guidance has fueled my desire and courage to make strides in my
professional endeavors and I am forever grateful for that. I wouldn’t be where
I am today without Stuti’s guidance and support.”
The duo celebrated Kokkalera’s award at this year’s ACJS
annual meeting in Chicago.
“I was excited to celebrate this with her,” Kokkalera said. “It’s
nice to be in a room full of accomplished scholars. To be recognized, that’s just
icing on the cake.”
While Kokkalera is grateful for the award, she looks forward
to helping others receive accolades.
“It’s gratifying when you nominate someone and they receive
the recognition. I hope to keep doing that for my students and colleagues.”
For more information about the Academy of Criminal Justice
Sciences, visit their website, www.acjs.org.
For more information about Kokkalera,
visit her faculty bio page on the SHSU College of
Criminal Justice’s website.
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