Gina Fedock Receives 2026 Crown Family School Award for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring
Student-nominated honor recognizes exceptional commitment to developing the next generation of scholars
By Crown Family School
The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has named Gina Fedock, PhD, the recipient of the 2026 Crown Family School Award for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring, recognizing her outstanding commitment to the scholarly, professional, and personal development of doctoral students.
Presented annually, the student-nominated award honors a faculty member whose mentorship exemplifies the Crown Family School's commitment to preparing future scholars through intellectual rigor, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful support.
According to the award announcement from Dean Deborah Gorman-Smith, PhD, and Doctoral Program Director Matt Epperson, PhD, MSW, students consistently described Fedock as a mentor who challenges and supports them while fostering an environment grounded in trust, encouragement, and deep intellectual engagement.
Across the nominations, doctoral students highlighted Fedock's investment in their success, emphasizing not only her scholarly guidance but also her commitment to helping students grow as researchers, educators, and leaders.
One student wrote that "her mentorship has fostered curiosity, intellectual and practical growth, and the opportunity to truly learn," while another shared, "I have become a more empowered researcher and student because of her continued mentorship."
Students also praised Fedock for her generosity with her time, her thoughtful and rigorous feedback, and her ability to create a mentoring environment where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to pursue ambitious scholarship. Collectively, the nominations reflect the profound impact of her mentorship on the doctoral student experience and the next generation of social work scholars.
The Crown Family School congratulates Gina Fedock on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the lasting impact of her mentorship on doctoral education and the future of the profession.