INDIANAPOLIS – The Division of Undergraduate Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has received several academic advising awards on the national, state and campus levels.
Senior career consultant Missy Cooper was awarded the Distinguished Career Award from Career Development Professionals of Indiana Inc. Additionally, the Health and Life Sciences Advising Center was named the outstanding advising program by the National Academic Advising Association, or NACADA, while Kelsey Cox received the Outstanding New Academic Advisor Award from the same group. Liz Freedman was honored with NACADA’s Best Presentation Award.
Cooper has played a key role in integrating the Division of Undergraduate Education’s academic and career advising efforts. As a member of the Enterprise, Policy and Planning cluster, she serves as a trainer for staff in both areas in order to better support students throughout their academic and career decision-making processes.
“Her knowledge of student development, coupled with her experience in both advising and career roles, made her invaluable as we sought to redefine the way we delivered service, guidance and support to students,” wrote Cathy Buyarski, assistant dean of University College and executive director of student success initiatives, in her letter of support during the nomination process. “She has shared her knowledge and experience at the campus, state and national levels as she has presented on the integration of advising and career development at numerous conferences. In this way, her contributions have not only impacted IUPUI but the profession as well.”
Cooper has been a senior career consultant at IUPUI for more than three years. She was previously a senior academic advisor and career counselor on campus, a post she had held since 1992.
The Distinguished Career Award from Career Development Professionals of Indiana recognizes a career services professional who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and distinguished service to students, faculty, employers and CDPI for more than five years. Nominees must demonstrate creativity, teamwork and a commitment to service above and beyond their required duties.
Cooper is the second IUPUI advisor in as many years to earn the CDPI award. Jennifer Schott, director of career planning, was the 2016 winner.
The NACADA awards were presented in recognition of innovative and exemplary practices resulting in the improvement of academic advising services.
The Health and Life Sciences Advising Center was established nearly three years ago and has since used student success advisors, career consultants and undergraduate peer advisors to serve more than 1,500 students studying health and life sciences.
Cox currently serves as a student success advisor for the Health and Life Sciences Advising Center. Freedman’s Best Presentation Award resulted from her session, titled “When NOT to Parallel Plan.” It was her second consecutive NACADA recognition, as she was named the Outstanding New Academic Advisor in 2016.
Cox, Freedman and their unit will be honored at the annual NACADA conference in St. Louis in October.
In addition to the Division of Undergraduate Education’s national and state awards, Terrel Brown and Martha Marshall were recognized on campus. An exploratory student success advisor, Brown received the Outstanding Service to Students Award for new staff from IUPUI Academic and Career Development and the Outstanding Advisor of the Year Award from the Jaguar Academic Advising Association.
Marshall received the Outstanding Service to Students Award for veteran staff from Academic and Career Development.
