USU Advisors named NACADA Region 10 Winners

Utah State University advisors Dani Lawrence and Kaylee Roholt have been recognized for outstanding work in advising by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) for their region. NACADA is the nation’s leading organization for academic advising. 

Lawrence and Roholt will be presented their awards at the 2020 Region 10 Conference in May in Loveland, Colorado. 

2019 awards for advising:

NACADA Region 10 Excellence in Advising, Advisor of the Year-Primary Role: Kaylee Roholt, Utah State University, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Academic Advisor Coordinator.

NACADA Region 10 Certificate of Merit, New Advisor of the Year: Dani Lawrence, Utah State University, College of Science, Academic Advisor. 

Roholt, with eight years of advising in aviation, approaches advising as a teaching opportunity. 

“I help my students by listening to their goals and plans, then help them move forward. I strive to help students understand all the steps in navigating the often-confusing college terrain,” she said. “My goal is to help my students learn how to set goals and find the tools and steps to reach their goals.”

Lawrence, a newer advisor, develops a continuous collaborative relationship with her students to assist them in finding success. 

 “I hope that my interactions with students fosters the trust to openly discuss their goals and challenges, enhance their ability to think creatively and critically about problem-solving and instill confidence to reach their highest potential,” Lawrence said. 

Lawrence and Roholt say support from their department’s administration and University Advising allowed them to participate in professional development workshops and implement new processes. Advisors at USU are provided workshops by University Advising and NACADA conferences at the regional, state and national level. 

“Kaylee and Dani are innovative, goal-driven advisors who passionately care about their student’s goals,” said Mykel Beorchia, director of University Advising. “Through embracing their role as partners in student success, Dani and Kaylee assist students in creating paths to success, personally tailored for each student.”

USU advisors are frequently recognized for their excellence by NACADA at regional and national levels. In 2019, USU advisors were recognized for receiving the 2018 of Primary Role and New Advisor of the Year.

Lawrence and Roholt will be nominated for the national awards by USU Advising committee.  

The NACADA provides training, networking and funding for support of academic advising members. The association has over 11,000 members with 10 Regional Conferences.

University Advising offers professional development and training to advisors in all USU campuses and departments. Contact University Advising for more information.