The College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University recently awarded its Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Awards, which acknowledge faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to mentoring students outside the classroom. Recipients are nominated by students, endorsed by their chair or director, and selected by a student committee.

These awards – the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Award in Research and Creative Practice, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities, and Supporting Student Belonging and the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Award in Advising, Student Success, and Career Learning – were presented at the 2026 College of Arts and Letters Faculty and Staff Welcome Reception on Sept. 28 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

The 2026 recipients are:

• Casey McArdle, Associate Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures and Director of the Experience Architecture (XA) Program, who received the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Award in Research and Creative Practice, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities, and Supporting Student Belonging.
• Christy Stehouwer, Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Affairs, who received the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Award in Advising, Student Success, and Career Learning.

Casey McArdle

Casey McArdle, who has consistently demonstrated a deep investment in his community and his students by creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and connected, was nominated for the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Award in Research and Creative Practice, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities, and Supporting Student Belonging by a student in the Experience Architecture Program.

“Because of his mentorship, I approach challenges with a greater willingness to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and believe in my ability to make a meaningful impact,” the student wrote. “I still remember attending the Spring 2024 Day of Professionalization for XA, where I was shy, beyond anxious, and did not know anyone. Casey went out of his way to approach me, step away from his own conversation, and make sure I felt welcomed and included. That moment pushed me to engage rather than withdraw, and it changed how I showed up in the program moving forward.”

McArdle, who teaches Experience Architecture, also received the 2026 College of Arts and Letters Faculty Award for Innovation and Leadership.

Christy Stehouwer

Christy Stehouwer, who is a compassionate and caring mentor, helping students feel like they belong and feel validated, was nominated for the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentorship Award in Advising, Student Success, and Career Learning by three students.

One of her nominators wrote that “She goes beyond simply giving advice, she actively checks in, follows up, and continues to support me over time. She makes me feel like I truly belong at MSU and that my voice is important.”

Another nominator wrote that “Because of Christy, I have grown into a more confident, resilient, and self-assured individual. She has challenged me to step into situations I once would have avoided, and in doing so, has helped me realize my own strength and potential.”

A nominator also shared a specific example: “During a very difficult situation involving my internship…Christy went far beyond her role as an academic advisor. She not only listened to me with empathy, but she also took meaningful action by advocating on my behalf and connecting me with the appropriate resources across the university.”

Stehouwer advises students in Experience Architecture and the Art, Art History, and Graphic Design majors.

By Austin Curtis and Kim Popiolek