February 27, 2008
PACADA honors 2 advisers
Two academic advisers who bring a lot of care and energy to their work were honored by their peers Feb. 12.
Lee Ann Williams and Melissa Pederson received annual awards from the Purdue Academic Advising Association.
The chair of PACADA's award committee, Barbara Soodek, noted that awardees' names are added to a plaque in the Office of the Dean of Students. Soodek also introduced the presenters, who by tradition are the previous years' winners.
* Outstanding Advisor: Lee Ann Williams, agricultural economics. In presenting the award, Debbi Landis Bearden said Williams fosters trust and honesty with her students, which encourages long-term relationships. She provides candid advice and excellent resources.
One student wrote of how Williams' "knowledge, passion and professionalism" helped an unlikely thing, namely graduation, happen.
"While this achievement may sound average or unremarkable, I can assure you that it is nothing short of miraculous," the student wrote.
* Outstanding New Professional: Melissa Pederson, Undergraduate Studies Program. As presenter, Betsy Thompson said Pederson catches students' attention with her preparation, warmth and responsiveness.
"I did not expect this kind of hospitality from such a large college and I truly appreciate it," one student wrote.
Pederson's view of her advising relationship goes beyond her office space to helping students find places on campus where they like to eat or study.
Pederson also sends birthday e-cards and is purposeful about sharing some of herself through posters, photos and trinkets in her office that promote conversation.