Awards and Recognition

Dr. Hope Richardson Memorial Dissertation Award

The Dr. Hope Richardson Memorial Award is designed for research in the field of mentoring and presented to the best doctoral dissertation addressing mentoring in dissertation research.

Dr. Hope Candace Bradley Richardson was born in Saint Kitts/Nevis. She enjoyed imparting knowledge, and encouraging family, friends and associates to make wiser decisions. She earned a Bachelors degree from the City University, a Masters degree from Teachers College Columbia University, a second Masters degree in Psychology from Yeshiva University and a doctorate from Yeshiva University.  Dr. Richardson facilitated a collaborative mentoring course for Bronx Community College students and their proteges, at risk students in the University Heights high school.  Her earliest ambition was to become a teacher and teach she did. She taught students from kindergarten to college.

On July 8th 1999, then President David P. James made the motion to form an association to support and promote mentoring wherever it occurs. Dr. Hope Richardson seconded that motion and the International Mentoring Association (formerly named National Mentoring Association) was birthed.   Dr Richardson’s tenure with the board was from 1988 through 1999. She was a founding member, an active executive board member, and a conference leader with the Association. The untimely death of Dr. Richardson in April, 2000, prompted the International Mentoring Association board to establish the “Hope Dissertation Award” to honor her memory.

Every two years the International Mentoring Association recognizes outstanding research in the field of mentoring. This is the association’s preeminent research award and recognizes innovative and exceptional contributions to the field of mentoring. This award, presented to the person who has submitted the best doctoral dissertation, is given to foster and disseminate research in the practice of workplace learning and performance.

The recipient of the Dr. Hope Richardson Memorial Dissertation Award will receive:

  • Commemorative certificate presented at the awards ceremony during the IMA Conference.
  • 1-year paid membership in the IMA with all associated benefits.
  • US $1000 travel stipend to attend the 2026 IMA conference.
  • Recognition: Announcement of the award and a summary of the findings in IMA publications and on the IMA Website.


Download Dr. Hope Richardson Memorial Dissertation Award Application Information
*Please read the application information carefully before submitting your application

Submit Your Dr. Hope Richardson Application Here
Prior Recipients or Dr. Hope Richardson Dissertation Award


2024–2026 Hope Richardson Dissertation Award Recipient 

The 2026 recipient was Dr. A. K. Smart Chukwu. The award was presented during the International Mentoring Association Biennial Conference in May 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida, for the dissertation titled "Responsive Advisement Framework: Rethinking Doctoral Apprenticeship Practices in Canadian Universities." 

2020-2022 Dr. Hope Richardson Dissertation Award Recipient 

The 2022 recipient was Dr. Sherella Cupid. The award was bestowed upon Dr. Cupid during the International Mentoring Association's Conference in February 2022 in Gainesville, FL, for her dissertation titled “Cupid, S. (2020). “It Felt Like Home:” Exploring Practices and Mentoring Experiences among Black Doctoral Women and Black Faculty Women in Sister Circles at Mid-Atlantic Universities.”

The 2018-2020 Dr. Hope Richardson Dissertation Award Recipient  

The 2020 recipient was Dr. Laura Johnson-Hurcula. The award was bestowed upon Dr. Hercula during the IMA Conference in March 2019 in Gainesville, FL, for her dissertation titled "Gender-Specific Mentorship for Collegiate Female Band Directors."

2014-2016 Dr. Hope Richardson Dissertation Award Recipient 

The 2016 recipient was the University of New Brunswick Alumna, Dr. Roxanne Reeves. The award was bestowed upon Dr. Reeves during the International Mentoring Association’s Conference from April 13-15, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama, for her dissertation titled "Corporate mentorship."

2007-2009 Dr. Hope Richardson Dissertation Award Recipient 

The 2009 inaugural award recipient was Dr. Laura Lunsford. The award was bestowed upon Dr. Lunsford during the International Mentoring Association’s Conference 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada, for her dissertation titled "Mentoring and talent development: Doctoral advisors and their protégés."