By Shenazar (Shane) Esmundo, MPH, Doctor of Public Health Student, Data Analyst for PNCT 

Dr. Patricia Valverde received an award May 16 for Faculty Excellence in Student Mentoring. (In this photo: Patricia Valverde, PhD, MPH; Dean of the Colorado School of Public Health Cathy Bradley, PhD) 

In academia, very few educators serve as a guiding light and spark for a student’s personal and professional growth. We celebrate Dr. Patricia Valverde as the 2024 recipient of the “Faculty Excellence in Student Mentoring” award. Dr. Valverde serves as the Director of the Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training Program (PNCT) and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Valverde embodies compassion, enthusiasm, and care in her work, research, and interactions with her students. As one of Dr. Valverde’s mentees, I can personally attest to her unwavering commitment and advocacy to ensuring the success of her students. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide guidance, advice, and academic support in her mentorship.   

This summer, she will assume a new role at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Greeley, leading the Master’s in Public Health Program. Her dedication and impact at the Colorado School of Public Health at CU Anschutz demonstrate her ability to bring the same level of commitment and influence to UNC. Congrats Dr. Valverde! We are incredibly proud and thrilled about your future endeavors. 

In this photofamily, staff, and students show up to support and cheer Dr. Valverde on!