Outstanding Advisors Recognized

Stephanie Hamblin, professional advisor in the Office of University Advising and Transfer Services, was named the 2004 Outstanding New Professional Advisor for Utah State University. Dennis Welker, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Biology, was named the 2004 Outstanding New Faculty Advisor. 

 

These advisors are nominated by university deans, department heads, support staff and students. Criteria for receiving these awards include innovative quality, creativity, currency, institutional commitment, impact and transferability. 

 

 “Stephanie truly cares about the students,” said John Mortensen, director of University Advising and Transfer Services. “She is very sensitive to their needs and does her best to understand individual situations from a student’s point of view.”

 

Hamblin has been at Utah State for 10 years and for the last two years she has been an academic advisor. Hamblin said her favorite part of advising students is the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of the students she advises.

 

“It is so nice to see and feel a student’s excitement when they learn that the major options are really quite diverse. Advising is the first step on the ladder of success for students,” Hamblin said.

Hamblin compares advising to puzzles and said if advisors know some of the tricks to putting together a 1,000 piece puzzle, the task is not overwhelming.

 

“There are tricks that advisors know and are willing to share with students that will help them through their college experience,” said Hamblin. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the tricks from registration to how to pick a major.”

 

“With Stephanie, people come first,” Mortensen said. “There are times she has altered her personal schedule in order to accommodate students.”

 

Jon Takemoto, department head of Biology, nominated Dennis Welker for outstanding new faculty advisor.

 

Welker has been at Utah State for 20 years, teaching molecular genetics and became director of undergraduate studies for the Biology Department in 2003. His job includes advising new biology and public health student, and he oversees about 250 advisees.

 

“I enjoy meeting with students and talking to them about their career goals,” Welker said. “I also enjoy being able to help students with the academic problems they have encountered, such as making choices of which courses to take to tailor their studies to reach their goals.”

 

 “Dennis is one of few faculty members who regularly participate in advising-related meetings, workshops and conferences,” Mortensen said.

 

Welker is also responsible for checking the records of all the department’s graduating seniors to ensure they have completed the biology or public health requirements to graduate.

 

“Dennis has a good understanding of Utah State University policies, procedures and requirements,” Mortensen said.

 

Both Hamblin and Welker are up for national advising awards. See the Web site for more  information on the national advising awards.