Two education advisors recognized

MU’s Excellence in Advising awards honor both faculty and professional advisors

Representatives from schools, colleges and departments across campus gathered in Stotler Lounge one April afternoon to recognize the faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to helping students achieve academic success. 15 advisors were nominated for MU’s 2009 Excellence in Advising Awards. Amid plates of cake and glasses of punch, the honorees celebrated with their students and colleagues who nominated them.

Mark Volkmann, associate professor of science education, was one of the nine MU faculty members nominated for the 2009 Faculty Excellence in Education. Each honoree had to be nominated by at least three separate students or colleagues.

“It’s an honor to be nominated by the College of Ed,” Volkmann said. “I feel good just to be among this group.”

During the pre-ceremony celebration, a slideshow of the nominees played on a projector screen at the front of the room. Excerpts from the nominations were displayed next to the names.

Professional advisors comprised a separate category; among the six nominees was Lynn McKinnon from the College of Education.

Jim Spain, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies at MU, spoke during the ceremony and presented each of the nominees with a certificate of recognition. “Thank you on behalf of the campus,” he told the advisors.

“Students find their place here in large part because of the work of our advisors,” he continued. “[As advisors and faculty], we put students in an opportunity to be successful and that allows them to live their dream.”

For further details visit, COE Website.