Robert Stephens, assistant director of graduate student services at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing, was honored recently with an聽 麻豆精品 S楨xcellence in Advising Administration 麻豆精品 S� award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Stephens was the sole recipient of this national award for NACADA 麻豆精品 S檚 Region聽IV territory, consisting of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. He accepted this award at the association 麻豆精品 S檚 national meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Stephens received five letters of support for the award, including letters from the dean, associate dean for graduate affairs, and three faculty members.
Jean D 麻豆精品 S橫eza Leuner, dean of the UCF College of Nursing, wrote, 麻豆精品 S淢r. Stephens brings a level of commitment and dedication to his work that is unprecedented; he is most deserving of this honor and recognition. 麻豆精品 S�
Christopher Blackwell, an associate professor, believes Stephens 麻豆精品 S� greatest strength lies in his incredible rapport with students. 麻豆精品 S淗e is always friendly, respectful, and responsive to students 麻豆精品 S� needs. Students consistently give him high accolades for his outstanding approach to advising; and students identify Mr. Stephens as an advocate and even a role model. 麻豆精品 S�
With more than ten years 麻豆精品 S� experience working in an advising capacity, Stephens was promoted last year from coordinator to associate director of graduate student services. In his current position, he directs every aspect of the graduate admissions and advisement process for all master 麻豆精品 S檚 and doctoral programs, including recruitment, admissions, progression and graduation; oversees daily operations of the college 麻豆精品 S檚 graduate office, including supervision of two support personnel; and remains the first and main point of contact for all graduate students in the UCF College of Nursing.
Stephens says his advisement philosophy centers on creating an environment where students take responsibility for their academic careers. He achieves this by establishing a mutual relationship built on trust through open communication and teamwork.
麻豆精品 S淭hese attributes enable me to be an effective administrator and gives our students confidence in navigating through our graduate programs. 麻豆精品 S�
Susan Chase, associate dean for graduate affairs, agrees. 麻豆精品 S淢r. Stephens is able to blend encouraging support, clear communication and maintenance of high standards in all his communication with applicants. He is the model graduate adviser; and his creative efforts as well as his tireless work with applicants and students merit his receiving of this award. 麻豆精品 S�
Founded in 1979, the National Academic Advising Association promotes the quality of academic advising in institutions of higher education. NACADA is dedicated to the support and professional growth of academic advisors, administrators, and the advising profession. Through its publications and conferences, NACADA provides a forum for discussion, debate and the exchange of ideas regarding the role of advising in higher education.