Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
In a surprise announcement, Stacy Morris, assistant professor of child, adolescent, and family studies, was named the recipient of Cal State San Bernardino’s 2025-26 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award on April 23, recognized for going above and beyond in her commitment to students through exceptional advising practices.
Morris was in the back of her class, “Effective Interactions, Activities, and Programs with School Age and Adolescent,” helping a student when Rafik Mohamed, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, accompanied by nearly 40 fellow faculty members, staff, administrators and students, barged into the Physical Sciences building, room 223, to make the announcement. She was then asked to come to the front of her class to be honored.
When Mohamed announced he was there to present Morris with the 2025-26 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, she was overcome with emotion, brought to tears by the unexpected recognition.
Mohamed shared with attendees that it is a university tradition to present these outstanding faculty awards through a surprise declaration, where the campus community come right into and interrupt a classroom, lab or lecture hall to make the proclamation in front of the faculty member’s students so they can see their professor being honored.
This award includes one year’s membership in the National Academic Advisors Association, covered by the office of Academic Success and Undergraduate Advising; being CSUSB’s nominee for national recognition by NACADA; $500 in travel funds; a one-year designated parking spot; and the addition of the awardee’s name to the CSUSB Outstanding Faculty Advisor Honor Plaque in University Hall, room 397.
“I've been to these for a lot of years,” said Mohamed. “This is the biggest turnout I've ever seen.”
After which, Morris jokingly said, “You have to say that, right?” as the room broke out into laughter.
“No, I don’t,” Mohamad countered. “It's a testament to the influence that you've had on our students.”
About half of those in attendance were her current and former students, mentees and members of the Child Development Club, which Morris advises – underscoring the impact she has made. Mohamad went on to thank Morris for her dedication to CSUSB students, highlighting her accomplishments and sharing praise from the committee, students and nominators.
Building on those remarks, Christina Hassija, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, shared similar sentiments.
“I just want to echo that I think the presence here is truly something exceptional and really is a testament to the impact that you have on your students,” said Hassija.
“I appreciate how instrumental you've been in providing research opportunities to students and supervising graduate theses and honors theses. I know that work is very time-intensive, but that is work that is incredibly important for our students' development and for their futures beyond CSUSB,” she added.
Amanda Wilcox-Herzog, chair of the Department of Child, Adolescent and Family Studies, also reflected on her longstanding support, sharing that she had nominated Morris for the award the previous year and remained determined after she wasn’t selected. “I’m literally going to nominate you every single year until you win this award, because that’s how well-deserved it is,” she told Morris.
During a heartfelt moment, four CSUSB students shared how Morris’ mentorship, advising and support have positively impacted their lives both personally and academically.
Morris was visibly moved by all the remarks. “It is incredibly special for me to get to work with y'all,” she said.
Focusing on the students at the heart of her work, Morris added: “I've said to anyone who would listen, honestly, that our CAFS students, our CSUSB students, are the best students that I've ever gotten to work with. I feel like I get to connect with you all so much, and your just so genuinely kind …. You’re working to make the world a better place, and it really is a wonderful thing to get to be a part of that journey”
Morris began teaching at CSUSB in 2020. The award committee shared that she “demonstrates expertise in advising, authentic care for student success, and heartfelt passion for her profession.” They added that her commitment to teaching and mentoring CSUSB students exemplifies her commitment to the CSUSB mission of “cultivating the professional, ethical, and intellectual development of our students.”
The members of the 2025-26 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award (OFAA) Selection Committee include co-chair Eduardo A. Mendoza (Academic Advising), co-chair Tiffany Bookman (Academic Success and Undergraduate Advising), Richard Ferguson (Academic Advising), Stephanie Juarez (Academic Advising), OFAA winner Julie Taylor (Communication and Media, 2024), OFAA winner Lúa López-Perez (Biology, 2025), and Julian Vara (Peer Advising Student).
One student remark cited by the committee said, “As my Honors advisor, Dr. Morris has strengthened my research skills and expanded my academic knowledge. She provides thoughtful feedback, encourages critical thinking, and actively monitors my progress toward both graduation and future goals.”
Another said, “As the advisor of the Child Development Club, she regularly holds meetings to check in on members and ensure we are doing well both academically and personally. She has created a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns, asking questions and seeking guidance without feeling judged.”
A third said, “What truly sets Dr. Morris apart is her willingness to go above and beyond to make accommodations that allow students to reach their full potential. She understands that students face challenges outside of the classroom and approaches every situation with empathy and flexibility.”
The student superlatives continued with, “Dr. Morris is incredibly positive, supportive and easy to approach. She consistently provides thoughtful advice and encouragement, which has helped me feel more confident in myself, step into leadership roles and grow both academically and personally.”
And another wrote, “After taking her class, she still welcomed us all to go to her office, which became one of my favorite spaces and people to go to when I dealt with hardships and needed guidance on how to approach situations.”
Morris has previously been recognized within her department with the Outstanding Faculty Teaching & Mentorship Award (2025), Outstanding Faculty Community Engagement & Service Award (2024), and Outstanding Faculty Research & Scholarship Award (2023).
She has a B.S. in psychology and theater and dance from Santa Clara University and a Ph.D. in applied developmental and educational psychology from Boston College.