In an inspiring celebration of mentorship that transforms lives, MIT has announced 18 exceptional professors as the newest recipients of its Committed to Caring award for 2025-27. These educators join an elite community of nearly 100 faculty members who have been recognized since the program's launch in 2014 for their profound impact on students' academic and personal journeys.

What makes this recognition especially heartwarming is that it comes directly from the students themselves. Graduate students across all MIT departments nominate professors whose guidance has genuinely shaped their lives, making the honor a true testament to the deep connections these faculty members build with their advisees.

The 18 honorees span diverse fields from materials science to brain and cognitive sciences, representing departments across MIT's schools of engineering, science, humanities, and management. These professors exemplify what it means to mentor in today's rapidly evolving world, where guidance extends far beyond technical expertise to nurturing resilience, curiosity, and compassion.

Selection committee member Jasmine Aloor, a graduate student in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, shared her amazement at discovering the countless ways professors care for students behind the scenes. "What stood out to me most was the breadth of ways these faculty members support their students, check in on them, provide mentorship, and cultivate lifelong bonds, despite being successful and pressed for time as leaders at the top Institute in the world," she reflected.

The nomination letters paint a beautiful picture of educators who consistently go above and beyond lectures and labs. Students praise these professors for creating inclusive spaces where they feel supported, valued, and genuinely connected. Rather than focusing solely on academic excellence, these mentors help students develop confidence, find balance, and discover clearer visions of their goals.

Chen Liang, a graduate student at MIT Sloan who served on the selection committee, emphasized how the experience revealed faculty members who "help students grow into thoughtful, independent researchers and, just as importantly, into fuller versions of themselves in the world."

Why It Matters: In an era of accelerating technological change and global challenges, from artificial intelligence breakthroughs to evolving research landscapes, the human element of education becomes even more crucial. These professors demonstrate that exceptional teaching isn't just about transferring knowledge—it's about seeing students as whole people, investing in their well-being, and creating lasting relationships that shape futures. Their dedication cultivates the kind of supportive academic community where innovation and personal growth flourish together.

The Committed to Caring program continues to strengthen MIT's culture of respect, collaboration, and genuine care. A series of articles will spotlight each honoree in the coming months, culminating in a celebratory reception this April where the entire community can thank these remarkable educators for the profound difference they make in students' lives every single day.