by Kelsey Asher
On May 1, the Professional Association of Academic Advisors (PAAA) at the University of West Georgia held an end-of-year luncheon and presented the 2014-2015 Faculty Advisor of the Year and Staff Advisor of the Year awards. The awards were established by PAAA with the desire to encourage and reward excellence, creativity, and effectiveness in professional student advisement on UWG’s campus. Selection of the award winners relies on confidential nominations.
Dr. Joseph Hendricks, professor of biology, received the honor of Faculty Advisor of the Year.
“Dr. Joseph ‘Joe’ Hendricks is a paragon of superb academic advising […] He truly enjoys his interactions with his advisees and constantly strives to have a positive effect on them,” the nominator wrote.
“For someone who has always wanted to teach and work with students, [the Faculty Advisor of the Year Award] is a tremendous honor,” Dr. Hendricks said. “It is particularly meaningful because I am so fortunate to work with very capable and dedicated colleagues in the Department of Biology and across the broader university who are truly committed to student advancement and academic success.”
Megan Groninger, academic advisor for the Advising Center, was recognized with the Staff Advisor of the Year Award.
“In her department, [Megan] currently holds the record for advising the most students in one semester. She is organized, focused, caring, and passionate. She comes in early, works through lunch, and stays late to get the job done,” the nominator wrote.
“This award means the world to me, not because of its prestige, but because of the nominations from my co-workers,” Megan said. “I work with an amazing group and their support, recognition, and encouragement has been instrumental in pushing me to strive to be a better advisor and a better resource for our students.”
Dedicated professionals like Dr. Hendricks and Megan help PAAA achieve its goal to have a lasting impact on student success. By building a network of professional staff and faculty who are involved in academic advisement at UWG, the university can provide students with pertinent information, peer support, professional development, and a network of resources to enhance academic success.
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