Rachel Tomcak Receives Academic Advisor of the Year Award

Rachel Tomcak, Director of Academic Advising in the College of Arts and Sciences, was recently chosen as “Academic Advisor of the Year” for 2016. Dr. David Boocker, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, presented the award to Rachel at a meeting on May 19.

Academic advising is recognized as at “the very core of successful institutional efforts to educate and retain students” (Tinto, 1987). It may be the “single most underestimated characteristic of a successful college experience” (Light, 2001).

The Academic Advisor of the Year award was created to recognize and honor advisors’ 1) contribution and service to students and academic advising on campus; 2) advocacy and collaboration for students and academic advising best practices; and 3) initiative and attitude in improving academic advising.

Rachel’s nominators cited her “student centeredness” and positive attitude as well as her initiative in solving problems. “She exemplifies the epitome of collaboration”, one nominator wrote. Another stated “she is a consummate professional who continuously demonstrates her dedication to the students she serves.”