Pam Hennessey, director of academic advising at AUCON, received the Region 4 Excellence in Advising award from NACADA, the Global Community for Academic Advising. NACADA, the National Academic Advising Association, is committed to advancing quality academic advising in higher education institutions to foster student development. This prestigious award will be presented during the annual Region 4 conference in Jacksonville this year. Hennessey also won the 2024 AU Outstanding Professional Advising Award.

NACADA’s mission underscores that effective academic advising is key to student success. At the College of Nursing, student support services is strong, with advisors readily available to assist students.

"I am truly humbled to receive the Outstanding Advising Administrator Award," Hennessey shared. "This award is a testament to the incredible quality of our student services team and the supportive administrators who stand behind us and our students."

She expressed how rewarding it is to help students who face challenges in finding alternative pathways and to help them realize there are many ways to achieve success. "The students who truly highlight the importance of our work are those who experience setbacks and need to find backup plans. I relate to them because my own college journey had its hurdles as well."

She also emphasizes the importance of engaging with students beyond the classroom. "Engaging with students in activities outside the nursing building helps build stronger relationships. It shows them that you also enjoy fun and laughter."

Academic advising can come with its challenges, especially when changes are needed in the application process. She stresses the importance of communicating those changes as early as possible to reach as many people as quickly as possible. "Being proactive and transparent during this process is crucial."

The most rewarding part of her career, she says, is the privilege of positively impacting students' academic journeys and helping them achieve their goals. "Balancing personal and institutional advising means respecting each student’s unique path while ensuring their success aligns with their goals."

Having worked in the College of Nursing for 24 years, Hennessey has witnessed significant growth. “The biggest change within the College of Nursing has been its expansion. We've added more facilities, more faculty and an increasing number of students. We now offer a graduate program and an expanding online curriculum.”

NACADA’s mission underscores that effective academic advising is key to student success. At the College of Nursing, student support services is strong, with advisors readily available to assist students. “Previously, Nursing Student Services was managed by a single advisor (myself). I handled advising, recruitment, and event planning. However, with the support of a team of dedicated advisors, the workload has become more manageable,” Hennessey added.

Dean Gregg Newschwander congratulated Hennessey on the recognition, stating, "This recognition is truly deserved. Pam and her team deliver outstanding service to both our students and the College."