Elizabeth Parolski Receives 2026 Chancellor’s Citation Award
Assistant director of graduate student advising and success honored for exceptional service to Manning CICS and its graduate student community
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Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) Assistant Director of Graduate Student Advising and Success Elizabeth Parolski has received a 2026 Chancellor’s Citation Award, recognizing her contributions to graduate student support, advising, and community-building at UMass Amherst.
The Chancellor’s Citation Award honors employees who have demonstrated exceptional performance in helping the university achieve its goals through original contributions, the attainment of high-priority objectives, service beyond the call of duty, and significant improvements in university operations.
“I am so very humbled, shocked, flattered, and honored to have won the Chancellor’s Citation Award,” she said. “This is a large campus with so many fabulous humans who are doing such remarkable work, so being chosen as a standout is so wonderful.”
Recognizing the Whole Student
At CICS, Parolski plays a central role in supporting graduate students as they navigate academic life, connect with resources, and build community. Her work spans advising and programming that supports student success, helping ensure students feel supported not only in the classroom, but throughout their graduate journey at the college.
For Parolski, that work begins with recognizing the full humanity of the students she serves. “Graduate school is hard,” she said. “It’s hard to be a scholar, student, scientist, family member, professional, and human who has to do laundry, sleep, and eat, all at once. I endeavor to make MS advising a warm, welcoming place where students can get a little support and guidance while they navigate graduate school.”
She said that mindset shapes how she and her team approach advising every day, from academic planning to moments of personal challenge.
“The advisors and I remind students they are whole humans who need fun, water, food, sleep, and breaks to be the best whole humans, which will make them the best students and scientists,” said Parolski.
In a video recognizing her award, Eileen Hamel, director of graduate programs, praised Parolski’s impact on both students and colleagues. “She brings so much positive energy and professionalism to her position, not only within the team, but across the whole college,” Hamel said.
Hamel also highlighted Parolski’s student-centered approach, describing her as “an advocate for students 100%” and pointing to the many ways she helps support student success, well-being, and connection across the graduate community.
A Proactive Model for Student Success
Among Parolski’s many contributions, Hamel pointed to an academic support plan Parolski created for students who may have earned a B-minus or lower during the semester or dropped a course after add/drop. Through that outreach, Parolski connects directly with students to check in, offer support, and help them move forward.
“It has been such a phenomenal program,” said Hamel. “Not only has she been able to make additional connections with students, but she’s really demonstrated that the college cares.”
Supporting Students Through Challenges—and Celebrating Their Success
That care is especially important when students are dealing with challenges beyond academics, Parolski said. “We help students through some tough stuff, mental health struggles, family struggles, and more,” she said. “I know it can be hard for students to share their personal challenges with advising, but when they do, I am so honored to listen, guide, and support students during their tough times.”
She added that one of the most meaningful parts of her work is seeing students emerge from those moments stronger.“I hope all our MS students know they are never alone in whatever is happening in their lives,” Parolski said. “When a student comes out the other side of their struggles, it is so awesome and beautiful and worthy of celebration.”
Hamel also emphasized the values that shape Parolski’s work with students.“To Elizabeth, it’s most important that people are kind to one another,” she said, adding that students should “build each other up rather than tear each other down.”
That spirit carries through the joyful moments, too. Parolski said she loves celebrating students’ wins, whether they are major milestones or hard-earned personal victories. “It’s so exciting when a student tells us about their internship or job offers,” she said. “I want to celebrate our students with high fives, cheers, and bragging about them.”
Keith Marzullo, Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Dean, also congratulated Parolski in the award video. “Liz, congratulations on being awarded the Chancellor’s Citation Award,” Marzullo said. “The master’s program is good because of all the work you’ve put into it.”
