Celebrating the people behind the experience: 2025 Administrative Faculty Awards highlight impact on student success

Each year, Colorado School of Mines honors members of its administrative faculty whose work exemplifies the values and mission of the institution — especially when it comes to enhancing the student experience. 

The 2025 Administrative Faculty Awards celebrate three outstanding recipients whose contributions create a more supportive, impactful learning environment. From building community to advancing hands-on learning and championing student research, their efforts help define what makes Mines a special place to live, learn and grow.

Mines Climbs Together Award

The Mines Climbs Together Award was presented to the team behind New Student & Transition Services (NeST), which plays a vital role in helping students feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they begin their Mines journey. Through programs like Oredigger Camp, Peer Mentors, and the Summer Launch initiative, NeST helps build a sense of belonging from day one and continues that support throughout a student’s transition into college life. The team's work fosters resilience, engagement, and success among students during one of the most pivotal times in their academic careers. 

Employee of the Year Award

The Employee of the Year Award went to Lakshmi Krishna, whose leadership in undergraduate research has opened doors for students to dive into meaningful, hands-on discovery early in their academic careers. Through programs like FIRST (First-Year Innovation and Research Scholar Training), Krishna helps connect students with faculty-mentored research opportunities that spark curiosity and deepen their connection to learning. Her work empowers students to become creators of knowledge—not just consumers—and gives them valuable skills that prepare them for future academic and career success. Read more about the FIRST program and its impact on first-year students.

Connected Learning Community Award

Carter Moulton, assistant director at the Trefny Innovative Instruction Center, received the Connected Learning Community Award for his leadership in helping faculty create dynamic, student-focused learning environments. By supporting evidence-based teaching practices and educational design, Moulton plays a key role in shaping classroom experiences that are active, collaborative, and deeply relevant to students. His efforts directly impact how students learn, engage, and succeed in their courses. The award also comes as the Trefny Center celebrates a major milestone—10 years of transformative teaching support at Mines.

Together, these award recipients reflect the core of what makes Mines thrive: a commitment to student success at every stage of the academic journey. Whether by easing the transition into college, fostering engaging learning environments, or opening doors to research and discovery, their efforts enrich the educational experience in ways that last far beyond graduation.