UAC Honors Six Faculty And Staff
Six members of Texas A&M’s advising faculty and staff community were honored at today’s (Wednesday, May 5) annual meeting and awards ceremony of University Advisors and Counselors.
Receiving the prestigious President’s Academic Advising Award for distinguished service in the academic advising field were Mary Ann Ricca, senior academic advisor II in the Mays Business School; Russ Graves, director of academic programs in General Academic Programs; Sam Murdock, senior academic advisor I in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and Jonathan Kotinek, assistant director in Honors Programs.
Representing a combined 37 years’ experience, the four recipients were recognized with the campus’ top advising award based on criteria of knowledge of institutional policies, interpersonal skills, and impact on students’ progress toward academic and career goals. Recipients were presented $2,000 cash awards and plaques by Martyn Gunn, vice provost for academic services.
The Margaret Annette Peters Advising Award was presented to Shawn Ramsey, associate professor in the Department of Animal Science. The award, established by local community residents Mervin and Annette Peters 11 years ago, recognizes a faculty advising administrator who embodies the spirit of concern for the welfare of individual students. Ramsey has spent 15 years in the advising field and was noted for being a “dynamic and powerful communicator with the gift of making students feel comfortable discussing any matter affecting performance.” As winner of the award, Ramsey received a $1,000 cash award and plaque from last year’s winner, Peter Drysdale.
The Ed Guthrie Award, recognizing faculty and staff who exemplify longtime Texas A&M advisor Guthrie’s spirit and concern for students’ welfare combined with skillful advisement, went to Neva Hughes, senior academic advisor I, who has worked in General Academic Programs the past four years. Hughes was cited by one nominator for her dedication in making “connections with students and having a knack for personalizing her advising to each student.” Hughes was presented a $1,000 cash award and plaque by 2009 winner Rebecca Hapes.
