Lissy Calienes named 2025-26 UF Undergraduate Faculty Advisor/Mentor of the Year
Elizabeth “Lissy” Calienes, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) associate instructional professor, was named the 2025-26 UF Undergraduate Faculty Advisor/Mentor of the Year.
Calienes’ advising method is focused on consistency, transparency and responsive communication. She places strong emphasis on career preparation and long-term success, helping students secure internships, prepare job applications, navigate early career decisions, and transition into professional roles.
“Students seek her out when they are uncertain or overwhelmed and leave with stronger confidence and professional readiness,” UFCJC Advertising Department chair Huan Chen wrote.
She mentors Advertising students across courses, internships, student organizations and professional networks using a hands‑on, experiential approach that mirrors professional practice. She advises students during immersive domestic and international experiences, including the UFCJC Cannes Lions Study Abroad Program, which she co‑developed and co‑directs, and provides on‑site mentorship at major industry events such as Cannes Lions, Advertising Week and the Sundance Film Festival. In addition, she serves as Dean of the Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, mentoring a global cohort of emerging creatives from more than 30 countries.
Calienes is an accomplished creative director, strategist, visual communicator and educator with a career spanning three decades in advertising, shopper marketing, graphic design, retail design and film production. She previously held leadership roles at major agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, and supported campaigns for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Toyota.
UFCJC graduate student Luis Lageyre wrote, “My UF experience has been undoubtably shaped by her mentorship and active presence in my life. I am not only a better student, but a better person because of her mentorship.”
Calienes earned a Ph.D. emphasizing authenticity in communications and design and a Master‘s degree in Interior Design from the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning.
UFCJC Journalism Department Chair Harrison Hove received the same honor for the 2024-25 academic year.
Category: College News
Tagged: Advertising Elizabeth "Lissy" Calienes Huan Chen UF Undergraduate Faculty Advisor/Mentor of the Year
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