Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Division of Student Affairs announces the formation of the inaugural Academic Advisory Board. The board, comprising select faculty, students, administrators and staff, will share learning designs across campus in a collaborative effort to support student success.
Victor K. Wilson, vice president for student affairs, created the board from a desire to enhance the existing mission of Student Affairs.
“This new board grows from a long-standing commitment to excellence in academic achievement both within and beyond the traditional university classroom,” Wilson said. “This existing mission is now coupled with a new desire to examine, grow and develop partnerships across campus to provide enhanced learning opportunities for twenty-first century students.”
Board members gathered at a reception on Dec. 10 in Adrinka Hall in Memorial Hall to have a conversation outlining opportunities for collaboration of their respective areas. The group was welcomed by Wilson; T.W. Cauthen, assistant vice president for academic, campus and community partnerships; and Sylvia Hutchinson, director of academic partnerships and initiatives.
“UGA is a learning place,” said Hutchinson. “Learning takes place in the traditional classroom and outside class. This afternoon’s conversation illustrates the promise of this group’s ability to make connections and support a comprehensive learning experience for our students.”
Board Members include:
• Lauren Ashley-Mayo, a Coca-Cola First Generation Scholar and third year journalism major;
• Matthew L. Bishop, director of the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development;
• Marguerite “Peggy” Brickman, a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the department of plant biology who received the Richard B. Russell Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2006;
• Ronald Cervero, associate vice president for instruction who has been a faculty member since 1986;
• Smitha Ganeshan, a Foundation Fellow, recipient of the 2013 the Harry S. Truman Scholarship and fourth-year student majoring in biology and anthropology;
• Eilidh Geddes, a Foundation Fellow and third-year student majoring in economics and mathematics;
• Thomas “Chase” Hagood, coordinator of faculty development and recognition in the Center for Teaching and Learning;
• Tina Harris, a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the department of communication studies;
• John Inscoe, the Albert B. Saye Professor of History and University Professor in the department of history;
• Loch Johnson, Regents Professor and Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in the department of international affairs who was named the inaugural SEC Professor of the Year in 2012;
• Myra Moore, director of assessment, rankings and undergraduate programs and a senior lecturer in the Terry College of Business;
• Marisa Pagnatarro, a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor in legal studies and a 2004 recipient of the Richard B. Russell Undergraduate Teaching Award;
• Linda Renzulli, an associate professor and graduate coordinator in the department of sociology who received the Richard B. Russell Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2007;
• Martin Rogers, associate director of the Honors Program and the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities;
• Janet Westpheling, a professor of genetics and the BioEnergy Science Center’s activity lead for education and outreach who received the university’s Creative Research Medal in 2000;
• Wanda Wilcox, an academic adviser in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences who received the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award in 1999 and 2013; and
• Shannon Wilder, founding director of the Office of Service-Learning who oversees programs and initiatives related to faculty and graduate student development, grants and funding for service-learning, faculty awards and recognition programs and university initiatives promoting community engagement.
UGA Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs comprises 17 campus departments that enhance the learning environment for students at the University of Georgia by stimulating the learning process, integrating the in-class and out-of-class experiences, promoting an environment conducive to growth and discovery and facilitating intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, physical, cultural and emotional development. For more information, see studentaffairs.uga.edu.
