Excellence in Advising
Excellence in Academic Advising
Northeastern State University recognizes the importance of an inclusive, equitable, and quality academic advising experience for all students. In 2013, NSU transitioned to a professional academic advising model for all undergraduate students, supplemented by faculty mentorship within each discipline. The goal of this model is to provide students with advisors who are regularly accessible and committed to student success.
The NSU Advising Award honors individual Academic Advisor for helping build a supportive academic environment and foster positive student experiences. Each Spring, students are asked to nominate an academic advisor who has shown excellent care for students' academic, personal, and professional goals, with final selections determined by the Executive Advising Committee. Consideration is given to a nominated advisor who exhibits that highest standards in advising, including professional contributions and professional core values (NACADA) of Caring, Commitment, Empowerment, Inclusivity, Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for students.
2023-2024
Award Pending
Nominations Due 4/12/2024!
Nomination Form
2022-2023
Sydney Nichols Rice
Academic Advisor
2021-2023
College of Liberal Arts, Tahlequah
Sydney's advisees say:
"Sydney has been so helpful! She has went out of her way to help ensure my credits transferred correctly and that I was in the classes that I wanted to be in and also fit into my degree plan! She has encouraged me and cheered me on throughout my time at NSU and has been the best advisor I have had at any college I have went to. She has learned my name and remembered me, making me feel valued and heard."
"Sydney is the best advisor that I have ever had as an NSU student here. I believe that no one deserves this award more than her. She goes above and beyond for her students and is always giving a helping hand. I would of not been this far if not for her guidance."
2021-2022
Susan Chitwood
Academic Advisor, 2013-2023
College of Business & Technology, Broken Arrow
Susan's advisees say:
"She is truly dedicated to my success and has encouraged to be the best I can and
empowered me with words of encouragement. She always remembers the little details
from our past engagements. As well as taking into consideration learning styles, instructor
styles, course and trying to find the best synergy...I always felt like my best interest
were top of mind for her and without her encouragement I don't know if I would have
stayed the course."
"I am going to graduate this December and am so thankful for all her words of encouragement throughout my journey. Her commitment to her advisees is outstanding."
2020-2021
Michelle Farris
Academic Advisor, 2011-Present
Reach Higher / Organizational Leadership, Muskogee (Online)
Michelle's advisees say:
"I was very nervous to go back to school as an adult. Michelle made me feel really good about continuing my education and explained what the reach higher program was. She always responds to my questions no matter how silly they seem. Michelle is very knowledgeable and knows exactly what courses I need to take to be successful which really comforts me. I know the me and any other student she is guiding are in great hands."
"I most certainly would not have been able to do this without her support. Mrs. Farris never missed answering a single email from me. She answered all my questions (I had a lot) with grace and patience. She even congratulated me on my achievements. She showed me compassion and understanding throughout my entire time here at NSU. I felt like she believed in me, so I believed in me."
2019-2020
Becky Robertson
Academic Advisor, 2016-2021
College of Liberal Arts, Tahlequah
Becky's advisees say:
"Becky has been so helpful every step of the way through my college career. She listened to my goals and helped me build a path through college that was accessible to me and lead me to success."
"When I was considering dropping out, she sat down with me and went over my transcripts and made sure I understood just how far I had come. We went over the classes I had left toward graduation and helped me work out a feasible plan to be able to finish and graduate in a timely manner. She encouraged me and is always available when I have a question or concern. If it hadn't been for Becky Robertson, I would not be graduating in May. She is a huge part of why I am finishing college instead of becoming another college drop out."
2018-2019
Lori Riley
Academic Advisor, 2015-2021
College of Education, Broken Arrow
Lori's advisees say:
"I don’t know if I could have done this journey without Lori! She guided me on my
journey and gave me great advice along the way. So thankful for her."
"Lori has really made my experience at NSU awesome. I enjoy having one person I can
go to for help. She is very knowledgeable in directing me to the completion of my
degree."