Utah State University Advisors Win National Awards

Two advisors from Utah State University’s College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences were recently honored at the National Academic Advising Association’s annual conference for their work. Lisa Allen received the Outstanding Advising Award, while one of the college’s more recent additions, Taylor Adams, was named the nation’s Outstanding New Advisor.

Allen, who began advising at USU in 2009, calls her work a partnership.

“It’s about developing a relationship with each individual student,” Allen said. “It’s important for them to know that I am approachable and am concerned about their personal welfare as well as their academic status.”

She said her personal advising philosophy comes from her love of working with students and her desire to make a difference in their lives.

“I want my students to be successful and achieve their dreams,” Allen said. “I feel that students are successful when they can take responsibility for their own learning and develop skills they can apply when they face challenges, and when they make decisions regarding academics, career options and other facets of their lives.”

USU Vice Provost Janet Anderson calls Allen a superb academic advisor.

“Lisa fully grasps that she plays an integral part in the education of the students,” Anderson said. “She loves her job, students, learning, being part of a team, and the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.”

Adams, whose award goes to individuals serving as an academic advisor for less than three years, said she encourages her students to take ownership of their education.

“I advise my students to set goals, which is why it is important for me to also do so in my professional and person life,” Adams said. “My current educational goal is to continue research that impacts our students by completing my master of science in agricultural systems technology with an emphasis in agricultural education.”

In advancing her own education, Adams said she hopes to address what she sees as a gap in services provided to transfer students continuing their education at land-grant universities.

Both Adams and Allen said it is important to develop strong relationships with their students.

“My advising approach takes place outside of the walls of my office,” Adams said. “I build relationships with my students at their club activities, college-sponsored events and within the community.”

Navigating the university system can be difficult for students, but having outstanding advisors as guides can save them both time and money.

“Excellent advising and a connection between advisors and students is critical to student success,” said Brian Warnick, CAAS associate dean of academic programs. “Lisa and Taylor each go beyond expectations in guiding students through graduation requirements, selecting appropriate courses and professors, and assisting students in accessing the resources they need to be successful academically, personally and in their future careers.”

Contacts: Lisa Allen, Lisa.Allen@usu.edu; Taylor Adams, Taylor.Adams@usu.edu

Writer: Elaine Taylor, ElaineJTaylor@gmail.com