UMass Boston

UMass Boston’s Frank L. Boyden Professor of Psychology Jean Rhodes was named the recipient of the 2026 Roy J. Zuckerberg Endowed Leadership Chair, an honor recognizing leaders whose work advances the mission of the University of Massachusetts.

The Zuckerberg Leadership Committee selects individuals who demonstrate courage, conviction and selflessness in their contributions to the university. In a letter announcing the honor, UMass President Martin T. Meehan wrote that Rhodes’ work stands out for “advancing scalable, evidence-based initiatives that address critical student success and public health needs across the Commonwealth.”

“My work has always been about creating stronger, more evidence-based systems of support for students, especially those who face the greatest barriers to belonging and persistence,” Rhodes said. “I have tried to show that mentoring can be a powerful tool not only for individual growth, but also for advancing equity and opportunity at scale.”

Rhodes is a leading scholar in youth mentoring and developmental psychology. Her research has helped shape national approaches to mentoring programs, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for young people in underserved communities.

She’s the founding director of UMass Boston’s Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, which aims to bridge research and practice in the field of youth mentoring to increase the quality of mentorship relationships. Through this work, she also co-founded MentorPRO, an evidence-based college success application and web platform that connects mentors and college mentees, enabling mentors to help students set goals, monitor progress, and access the resources they need to thrive.

Reviewers for the Zuckerberg Leadership Chair emphasized the impact of Rhodes’ scholarship, highlighting her ability to translate research into improved student success and well-being.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it honors work focused on helping young people build the relationships and support they need to succeed,” Rhodes said. “At this stage in my career, it feels especially gratifying to have that work recognized as central to student success and public purpose.”

“The work of Professor Rhodes embodies the very best of how scholarship in higher education works to advance the public good,” the committee wrote in its evaluation.

As part of the recognition, Rhodes will receive funding over the next two years to support her research.

“Through this role, I hope to continue strengthening mentoring and support systems that help students thrive at UMass Boston and across the Commonwealth,” said Rhodes. “I also hope to use the opportunity to connect research and practice in ways that make a real difference in students’ lives.”

Rhodes’ selection for the Zuckerberg Leadership Chair adds to an impressive list of accolades recognizing her contributions to psychology and mentoring research. Rhodes’ career has been defined by a commitment to turning research into meaningful support for students, a mission that continues to shape student success efforts at UMass Boston and across Massachusetts.