Julie Thornberry is honored to be awarded Mentor of the Year from the class of 2023. Her first day as a Walsh employee was the start of their freshman year. She began as an academic advisor for business students, as well as the instructor of the Power Skills courses. In 2022, Thornberry was appointed the Assistant Director for the Office of First Year Success and Academic Advising while continuing to advise first and second year business students.
Prior to joining Walsh, Thornberry worked for 15 years in client management across several industries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union in Communication Studies and will be graduating with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walsh in December.
Making sure students feel supported and encouraged during their first few years has been her goal as an advisor. Thornberry has been an active member of the Walsh community, participating as a Cavs Cor advisor and serving as the staff leader for the newly formed Fiber Arts Club. In the community, Thornberry is a member of Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County and the Canton Fiber Arts Guild.
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive this award from the class of 2023,” said Thornberry. “I always felt like we started our journeys here together and we have a special bond. College is tough to navigate and I have strived to be that person that students could turn to for anything, even after I am no longer their advisor. I’m so proud to have been a small part of their lives and I cannot wait to see what this class accomplishes.”
One of Thornberry’s nominators wrote, “I love her kind spirit and dedication to helping students be successful. Whenever I have needed her support, I was met with a cheerful and generous heart. Julie truly meets students where they are in their journey and helps them to continue to move forward in whatever the future holds.”
