Walk through the halls of the College of Engineering & Computing Sciences, and behind the steady hum of progress and innovation, you’ll find the heartbeat of mentorship in action. At its center is Christopher Springston, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, a quiet force who has spent over seven years shaping not just spreadsheets or schedules, but lives

Christopher doesn’t just supervise student employees. He invests in them, challenges them, and helps them discover strengths they didn’t know they had. This spotlight is about him, a leader whose dedication to student development ripples far beyond the office walls.

More Than a Job: A Launchpad

Over the years, Christopher has mentored a range of student employees—both graduate and undergraduate primarily from the College of Engineering & Computing Sciences, though his reach often extends beyond. But for him, student employment isn’t just about getting the job done.

“By hiring these student workers, we are providing them with a means of retooling and refining their skills,” Christopher explains. “We help students to add additional experiences to their resumes… we’re helping many take their first steps towards stepping out into the rest of the world and the workplace.”

This philosophy has defined his approach. Every role becomes an opportunity for growth. Every challenge, a lesson in resilience. For Christopher, mentorship is embedded in the everyday.

A Day in the Life of a Mentor

Student employees working under Christopher’s guidance find themselves not just learning tasks, but learning how to work: how to collaborate, manage time, and communicate professionally. “One of the key skills focused on with any position is time management and communication,” he shares. “The student workers need to be able to work together, with other students, and with the department to ensure their success.”

That focus on communication and collaboration is foundational. Whether a student is helping with outreach, tutoring peers, or supporting administrative tasks, Christopher ensures they’re not just completing work—they’re building a toolkit for life after graduation.

Stories of Impact

Over the years, Christopher has seen many students grow and thrive. One example that stands out is Divya Shah, a student worker who has taken on multiple roles within the department. “He has excelled as an employee… being one of our most dependable employees,” Christopher says with quiet pride.

But Christopher doesn’t measure success by accolades or job titles. For him, it’s the small transformations that matter most; the shy student who finds their voice, the overwhelmed freshman who learns to manage their time, the senior who walks into the job market with confidence.

Elevating Campus Culture

Christopher believes student employment plays a vital role in shaping campus life. “It provides students with a chance to work with others,” he explains. “To better hone some of their skills and gain additional experiences that they may otherwise not get in a classroom setting.”

That vision fuels his work. Through mentorship, Christopher helps students translate academic theory into professional practice. He connects them to real-world experiences in a supportive environment, giving them the confidence to imagine, and pursue what comes next.

Legacy Through Leadership

What makes Christopher Springston’s story inspirational isn’t a dramatic moment or flashy milestone. It’s the steady, thoughtful investment he’s made in every student he’s guided. Through patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of the power of opportunity, he’s built a legacy of mentorship that quietly transforms lives.

He doesn’t seek the spotlight—but his impact ensures he deserves it.

Contributed by: Denniesia Cameron, Mick Bradley, Christopher Springston