Semoa De Sousa-Brown, senior academic adviser for the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Multidisciplinary Studies Programs, was awarded the inaugural West Virginia Excellence in Academic Advising award during the third annual West Virginia State Advising Conference, hosted virtually by WVU Sept. 17.
More than 100 advising professionals attended sessions on building advising infrastructure through leadership and community, authentic advising connections, support for new advisers, identification of fraudulent students and more.
Presented by the West Virginia State Advising Conference, the award recognizes a full-time academic adviser who demonstrates excellence in advising, a commitment to advisees at the undergraduate level, and who significantly and positively affects the educational, personal, and professional development and success of their advisees.
With more than 15 years of experience in higher education advising, teaching and mentoring diverse student populations, De Sousa-Brown’s mission is clear — to empower her students to emerge as future leaders and achieve their academic goals. Her advising practices rooted in empathy, compassion and advocacy help her students navigate the academic, as well as technical and adaptive challenges while in college.
From regular check-ins to extend kudos for good grades to encouragement and support through the more challenging times, De Sousa-Brown aims to build a rapport of trust that makes her students feel valued.
“The greatest reward is seeing my advisees graduate,” De Sousa-Brown said. “My investment in their success begins on day one.”
Working primarily with students pursuing a Regents Bachelor of Arts, first-generation students, military veterans and student-athletes, De Sousa-Brown often accommodates challenging schedules with flexible virtual advising hours — including evenings, nights and weekends — and connects her students to resources available both on campus and online.
Students said De Sousa-Brown’s wisdom, empathy and encouragement have inspired them to pursue ambitious goals “with confidence,” noting her practical advice and emotional support.
“The impact she has made on my life will have a ripple effect on the lives of countless others,” one student said.
Nominations for the inaugural award were received from colleagues, supervisors and students across the Mountain State.
Meritorious recognition was awarded to Rebekah Agee, student services specialist in the College of Liberal Arts at Marshall University.
“We are beyond thrilled for both Semoa and Rebekah,” Joy Carr, director of University advising, said. “The outpouring of support for all our nominees and the continued growth of the conference are exemplary of the critical, impactful work of advising professionals.”
The steering committee was composed of individuals from WVU, WVU Parkersburg, Potomac State College, Marshall University, Fairmont State University, and Mountwest Community and Technical College.