Instilling confidence in students to do the things they didn’t know they could may not be listed in an academic advisor’s job description, but it is something frequently mentioned in the nomination letters of this year’s recipients of the Nicholas Evans Excellence in Advising award at West Virginia University.
Every year two faculty and two staff members are recognized for the important work they do shepherding students through their undergraduate experience. The four recipients for 2018-19 are:
- Nancy Caronia , teaching assistant professor in the Department of English
- Jayne Gilbert , coordinator of Academic Services at Potomac State College;
- Tricia Petty, assistant dean of student and enrollment services at the Reed College of Media ; and
- Kathleen Reilly , advising specialist in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
The students who supported Nancy Caronia’s nomination noted her willingness to listen not only to their academic issues but also to their aspirations. Multiple students said they believed she genuinely cared about them as people and her attention made a significant difference in their WVU experience “I never felt like I belonged at WVU and I switched majors several times. After meeting with Dr. Caronia she said ‘you belong here’ and my initial tears of frustration became tears of joy and utter relief.” Another student said Caronia encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and register for a study abroad with her to Italy. “Now I’m applying for competitive study abroad programs. I would not have had the confidence to take that leap without her as my advisor.”
Caronia’s supervisor, Brian Ballentine, said he was impressed with the amount of individual time she gives her advisees: “We have some students who have struggled academically. Dr. Caronia is excellent at presenting a clear pathway forward for these students and giving them the confidence to remain in school.”
Gregory Ochoa, dean at Potomac State College, called Jayne Gilbert a “super advisor” for her willingness to serve as a back-up advisor for the entire faculty at PSC. Despite a heavy workload, he said “every student gets as much time and attention as they need. She embodies the WVU core values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation in all of her work.”
The students who wrote on behalf of her nomination also noted her willingness to go above and beyond when they came to her for advising. “I went to see her for a routine scheduling appointment and I confided that I was having issues with my health insurance. She put me in touch with the right people who could advise me with my options through the school.” Another student wrote: Mrs. Gilbert gave me clear insight on how I could build my future and when things looked like they were going to fall apart because I didn’t know which way to turn, she was there.”
Tricia Petty’s students nominated her because of her warm and welcoming demeanor even when they pop in unannounced. “Having her for a mentor does not mean automatically generated emails—it means an always-open door, thoughtful and in-depth insight to my questions.” Another student wrote that she changed her mind many times about her future and that Petty helped her find her path because she knew what her strengths and weaknesses were. “From the beginning, she knew I was someone who could go far and she provided the guidance to help me get there.”
Petty’s extra efforts on behalf of students was also noted by Reed College Dean Maryanne Reed. “She has gone to bat many times for students who have financial problems, recommending them for emergency aid. Besides advising 90-plus Honors students, she also works closely with students who are struggling academically and helps them develop realistic courses of study that will enable them to graduate.”
Kathleen Reilly’s students says that the individual attention she gave them made an important difference in their lives. “I was struggling with math and not making the grades I needed to graduate. She never gave up on me and did everything she could to encourage me and educate me on what I needed to do to pass.” Another student who had just given birth was ready to give up when she said Reilly “showed me that I have the mentality and the strength to finish my degree.”
Jennifer Steele, associate professor in Sociology, wrote in her support of Reilly’s nomination that she has an easy-going manner that puts students at ease. “When working with struggling students, she first does a lot of listening and, when appropriate, lets them know they are not alone. She develops concrete strategies to help them move forward.” Steele also credits Reilly with strengthening the department. “Not only has Reilly streamlined their administrative processes, she has helped recruit majors for their department and retained some of those who might have left WVU.”
The award was established in 2009 to honor Nicholas G. Evans, an English professor, associate dean in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and long-time director of the University Advising Services Center. The recipients will be recognized by President Gordon Gee later this month and receive $1,250 in professional development support.