Academic Advising and Transfer Center Blog

Curtis P. Lawrence Excellence in Advising Award Winners announced

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Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup, Dr. Billie Follensbee and Heather M. Luellen will be recognized as the recipients of the 2024 Curtis P. Lawrence Excellence in Advising Awards at the Kathy J. Davis Master Advisor Reception on March 19, 2024, from 4-5 p.m. in the Union Club in Plaster Student Union. Each will be presented with a plaque and $1,500 award.

Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup
Dr. Aida Hass-Wisecup
Dr. Billie Follensbee
Dr. Billie Follensbee
Heather Luellen
Heather Luellen

Hass-Wisecup is a professor and graduate program director in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Follensbee is a professor and museum studies program coordinator in the art and design department.

Luellen serves as staff music director/accompanist in the theatre and dance department.

Each year, this award is presented to one undergraduate faculty advisor, one undergraduate staff advisor and this year a graduate advisor category has been added. The recipients of this award have demonstrated excellent advising to Missouri State students. Advisors are nominated by students, faculty and staff. All nominees are given a chance to submit an application packet. A committee of past award recipients review and select the winners.

Campbell Keele Receives National Award

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Campbell Keele, coordinator of transfer initiatives in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center, has been selected as a recipient of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS) “Transfer Champion-Rising Star Award.” This national award is only awarded to four recipients a year. According to NISTS, “the Rising Star Award recognizes professionals who are making important contributions but are relatively new to the transfer field.”

Campbell attended Missouri State University as a transfer student after receiving an associate degree in business administration at Three Rivers Community College. At Missouri State, she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s degree in business administration, and then began her professional career as an academic advisor in 2019. As coordinator, Campbell advises undeclared and Bachelor of General Studies transfer students, chairs the University-wide Transfer Advising Committee, serves as a partner for the Transfer Bears Living Learning Community, offers professional development related to transfer advising, and serves as a point of contact with advising professionals from two-year institutions. In 2022, she planned and implemented the first Transfer Student Week at Missouri State with great success. Partnering with various university offices and resources, she executed multiple events specifically for transfer students as well as a social media campaign spotlighting transfer students throughout the week.

Ross Hawkins, director of the Academic Advising and Transfer Center and Campbell’s supervisor stated, “I have been thoroughly impressed by her commitment to the field of academic advising and the passion she has demonstrated specifically towards advising transfer students. Her energy and enthusiasm to serve students and colleagues is contagious. Campbell is one of the most visible and respected staff members at the University regarding transfer student advocacy.”

Campbell will be recognized at the 2024 NISTS Conference in St. Louis in February for this achievement.

Academic Advisor Elected to the Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) Executive Board

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Jenny Capps, academic advisor in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center, was recently elected to the Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) Executive Board as the Southwest Representative. She will serve a two-year term.

Jenny joined Missouri State as an academic advisor in 2021. Her advising population includes Bachelor of General Studies students and those who are undeclared in their major. She serves as the lead facilitator for the Advising Basics Workshop and is currently working on advising assessment and implementation for the Academic Advising and Transfer Center.

Transfer Advocate, Issue 5

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Missouri State News

You Can Help a Student!

Attend the “You Can Help a Student!” training to learn more about supporting students struggling with mental health concerns, including how and where to refer students when necessary. This 120-minute session uses interaction and conversations to teach audience members actionable ways they can support students in distress. This training is open to all Missouri State faculty and staff. Register today through My Learning Connection on My Missouri State.

The next training will be offered Friday, December 10 — 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., PSU 315

[Read more…] about Transfer Advocate, Issue 5

Transfer Advocate, Issue 4

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Missouri State News

Submit Nominations for the Curtis P. Lawrence Award for Excellence in Advising

In recognition for outstanding academic advising, the annual Curtis P. Lawrence Award for Excellence in Advising honors one faculty advisor and one staff advisor during the spring semester. Nominations are due November 30, 2021.

Excellence in Advising Award Information

[Read more…] about Transfer Advocate, Issue 4