This year’s winners of the university’s Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advising Award are Wendy Dustman, a faculty member in the microbiology department, and Rebecca Baggett, an academic adviser in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
The award is presented each spring to faculty and staff members who excel in helping students select classes and courses of study and assisting them with academic problems. The award also recognizes advisers for offering guidance on related matters such as decisions about graduate school and careers, and for helping students deal with non-academic issues.
Dustman, an assistant professor of microbiology, has been an adviser for five years and advises about 60 students each semester. She said one of her goals in advising is to help students find “formative experiences” outside the classroom such as internships and research opportunities.
Baggett has been advising for more than 15 years and is senior adviser in the Franklin College’s lower division advising office. She advises about 200 students each semester and leads the group of advisers for students pursuing bachelor of arts degrees.
In addition to receiving a cash award and a plaque, Dustman and Baggett will be recognized at the Faculty Recognition Banquet on March 31 and at Honors Day on April 22.
Award recipients are chosen by a committee composed of a majority of students and chaired by a student. Other members of the committee are past winners, an advising administrator and a student affairs professional.
The award is administered by the Office of the Vice President for Instruction.
