Each year, NACADA, the global association for higher education academic advising, honors individuals and institutions making strides to improve student success programming.
This year, Marilyn Munzer, Tara Robbins and Jenna Edwards have received recognition for their dedication to connecting students to resources, services, mentorship opportunities and more.
Marilyn Munzer, senior academic adviser at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, is the recipient of the Region 3 Excellence in Advising — New Advisor Award. This award recognizes individuals who have served as academic advisers for under three years and exhibit excellence in their work and impact on the students they serve.
Munzer’s student-centric approach to advising focuses on how she can help her students realize their potential and overcome any doubts and challenges that arise. She identifies clear pathways to success while building trust and fostering genuine connections. She is also creating pathways for her colleagues. In 2023, she led the creation of a New Advisor Network, which connects WVU advisers to resources, networking opportunities, trainings and more. Kristen Brewster, assistant director of the Statler College Advising Center, noted that Munzer is an exemplar for good advising practices and how advisers can better support each other and their students.
Tara Robbins, student success coordinator in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Geology and Geography, received a Certificate of Merit in the New Advisor category.
From mentoring and advocating for students to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all, she is known for her visionary thinking that fosters connectivity and community. Ensuring her students feel like an integral part of campus is important to Robbins, and one student in particular noted that it was Robbins’ guidance and support that helped her acclimate to the University after transferring in.
Jenna Edwards, senior academic adviser in the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, received the Region 3 Harriett Hurt Memorial Travel Scholarship to attend the NACADA regional conference in March.
Edwards is described by her students as not only an adviser, but a mentor and confidant. She is known for her kindness, positive attitude and commitment to the success of her students and the Davis College. One student noted that Edwards will always make time to help, and nominations highlighted her dedication to supporting her students throughout their academic journey.
Nominees from WVU competed against advisers from five states in the region and were judged by a panel of professionals from across the country.
Through NACADA and under the guidance of Joy Carr, director of University advising, advisers frequently give conference presentations, serve as regional mentors, collaborate on regional and state committees, read awards and proposals, and more.
“I am proud of the work all our advisers are doing at WVU — especially our new advisers,” Carr said. “Marilyn, Tara and Jenna represent different colleges across the University and unique approaches to continuously improving the academic experience for our students. They also set an example of the impact advisers can have on their students, the University and beyond.”
Munzer, Robbins and Edwards are invited to attend the Region 3 Annual Conference slated for March 5-7 in Memphis, Tennessee.