How Great Mentors Change Lives | Dr. Sarah Colby

What makes a truly great mentor? In this conversation, I sit down with my PhD advisor, Dr. Sarah Colby, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Tennessee, to explore the experiences and values that have shaped her approach to mentorship, teaching, research, and leadership. From an unexpected beginning in theatre to a career in nutrition research, Dr. Colby reflects on finding purpose, choosing academia, mentoring graduate students, balancing research and teaching, and why the best mentors see people before they see students. Whether you're a student looking for the right mentor, a faculty member reflecting on your own mentoring style, or someone interested in leadership and higher education, I hope this conversation leaves you encouraged and inspired. Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Meet Dr. Sarah Colby 1:28 The Secret to Great Mentorship 3:17 Growing Up in Academia 06:00 From Theatre to Nutrition 11:13 At the USDA 12:09 Choosing Academia 14:13 From East Carolina to East Tennessee 17:05 Taking on Students 19:18 What Great Mentors Do Differently #AcademicJourneys #Mentorship #HigherEducation