UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Robert Morehead, associate teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics in the Eberly College of Science; and Gretchen Samchuck, academic affairs advising coordinator, advising programs manager in the Division of Undergraduate Studies at Penn State Beaver, have been selected to receive the 2025 Penn State Excellence in Advising Award.
The award, established by the former Undergraduate Student Government’s Academic Assembly and sponsored by each college, annually honors one full-time professional adviser and one full-time faculty member from any Penn State location who have at least two years of advising experience. Selection criteria are based on excellence in general advising, academic and career guidance, enthusiasm and assistance in decision making, and goal setting.
Robert Morehead
Morehead remembers his first job in academia. He was working at the media desk of a community college library. His name tag was branded with the slogan “Our mission is student success.” It’s that simple mantra that continues to guide his path as adviser.
It’s easier said than done, he said. Each student is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. His goal also isn’t that they navigate their Penn State path and earn a degree. It’s that they find and excel in productive careers and lives.
“The real objective is that two or three decades from now, they will be leading a content life that aligns well with their values and that their time as our students had a positive impact on their journey,” Morehead said.
Morehead had a hand in reshaping advising in the program. He enhanced advising strategies to support diverse student needs and academic goals, played a pivotal role in aligning the program with professional educational standards and student interests, and developed and refined courses to seamlessly transition students into the major.
Morehead engages these future scientists early through new student orientations designed to introduce them to the major, demystify potential career paths and guide them on a successful academic trajectory. He also teaches a first-year seminar and created a seminar course designed for change-of-campus students and others entering late due to changing majors. He said this space sets them up for success.
“This space has proven to be an invaluable platform for fostering connections, addressing challenges, and empowering students to thrive both academically and personally,” Morehead said.
Morehead is a first-generation, non-traditional student and uses those live experiences to bring a unique perspective to advising.
“My experiences navigating the challenges of academia have given me a profound empathy for the struggles my students face,” Morehead said. “These shared experiences enable me to serve as both a source of reassurance and a tangible example of the success that perseverance and seeking support can achieve. I can authentically say ‘if I can do it, anyone can.’ ”
Students called Morehead an understanding and patient adviser who helped them excel in the program.
“Dr. Morehead has been a consistently helpful adviser for me and other students in the astronomy department,” a student said. “He’s a knowledgeable teacher, and a great member of the department who makes himself available and involved in department activities.”