WiE director, Purdue Society of Women Engineers section advisor Holloway named "Outstanding Advisor of the Year"
Beth Holloway, the Leah H. Jamieson Director of Women in Engineering, was named “Outstanding Advisor of the Year” at the Student Life Honors Awards on April 19, 2026.
Holloway is in her 25th year as advisor for Purdue University’s section of Society of Women Engineers. It’s the third time she’s won the Student Activities and Organizations award, which is given to an advisor who demonstrates initiative in working with student organization members, facilitates the organization’s efforts to accomplish its mission, provides support to the development of student learning and serves as a role model for organization members.
Holloway met with PSWE’s officer team weekly during the academic year and “consistently invests in our officer team and section as a whole by providing thoughtful counsel on strategy, challenges, professional growth and leadership,” PSWE president Meg Wentz wrote in Holloway’s nomination.
“I’m very honored that the students take the time to put together a nomination. That means more to me than winning,” said Holloway, also senior assistant dean for student access and success in the College of Engineering and a professor of practice in mechanical engineering. “The fact that they care and they would do that, it's a big deal.”
Holloway played a pivotal role in Wentz’s Purdue journey, so it’s no surprise Wentz called Holloway “the best mentor I have ever had.”
But that wasn’t just Wentz’s singular experience.
“She’s a role model for everyone here at Purdue,” Wentz said. “Not only is she a wonderful organization advisor for PSWE, she a role model of what being a good engineer and leader means.
“Dr. Holloway is a wonderful advisor because she gives SWE autonomy while also supporting us. She allows us to act as leaders and be in control of the organization but is always there for us to work through challenges and celebrate wins with us. She is a great role model and shows us how to be good leaders and apply that within and outside of SWE.”