At a celebration and reception at Mason Hall on March 21, Volgenau School of Engineering's Cheryl Howe, academic/career advisor in the Department of Applied Information Technology, was recognized as George Mason University's 2014 Academic Advisor of the Year. More than 90 advisors from across campus were nominated for the award. The Dean for Academic Affairs, Advising & Retention, Jeannie Brown Leonard presented the award this year in the Meese Conference Room of Mason Hall.
Students say that Howe is an advisor with their best interests of at heart. She has helped numerous times with semester planning and with exceptions forms. Even when students are unable to come to campus for a meeting, Howe will talk with them over the phone to offer help. They describe her as a dedicated and hardworking advisor, who helps them in various times of need. Whether it's on a short notice or advance appointments, she is always there and does her best to help guide them toward completing their Mason education.
The criteria for Advisor of the Year was based on both the quality of students' comments on the nominations, as well as the number of nominations made.
"Cheryl had 69 great comments about her–far more than any one else nominated this year," said Assistant Dean Ann Lewis, of the Academic Advising & Transfer Center.
Other nominees for the award were:
Stephanie Barnett - Criminology, Law, and Society
Brian Gillette - College of Health and Human Services
Carrie Grabo - History and Art History
Michael Hurley - Psychology
Smriti Kansal - Electrical and Computer Engineering
John Kowalski - Film and Video Studies
Barbara Moorman - School of Management
Jane Walker - School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Jan Ward - School of Management
Melinda Wildman - School of Music
Each nominee received a certificate of recognition award after the luncheon.