Tamara Shannon recognizes that students are individuals with valuable backgrounds and experiences. She encourages them to share and learn from one another, fostering a supportive learning environment. In her courses, expectations are clear, and she consistently makes herself available through pop-in office hours, patiently answering questions. Tamara collaborates effectively with her colleagues to deliver content and provide feedback.

This past year, she offered exceptional support to a student facing personal challenges. When the student, who was pregnant at the start of the program, gave birth to a critically ill baby, Tamara checked in regularly during hospitalizations and surgeries, allowing flexibility with assignments and even holding Zoom meetings from the ICU. The student expressed, “Her support and encouragement helped me believe I could succeed in the program despite such stressful circumstances.”