Mitchell named outstanding academic adviser

Erica Mitchell, a senior academic adviser in the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education, received an outstanding advising award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) at the organization's national conference.

NACADA is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote quality academic advising and professional development. It also provides a network and professional identity for its members. Created in 1983 as a part of NACADA, the National Awards Program for Academic Advising honors individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising.

Mitchell is one of four recipients this year in the “Academic Advising-Primary Role” category, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding academic advising that directly aids students.

“I am extremely honored to win the NACADA Outstanding Advisor Award,” Mitchell says. “I am thankful and appreciative of NACADA for creating an award to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and importance of academic advisers.”

Gia Garcia Taylor, assistant dean of the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education's Office of Student Services (OSS), and Irma Arboleda, academic services manager in the OSS, nominated Mitchell for her exemplary work as an education adviser.

“Erica embodies the model of developmental advising throughout her work with students,” Taylor says. “People confide in her because they know she is trustworthy. They seek her input because they know she is knowledgeable. They ask her advice because they trust her judgment.”

Mitchell said she hopes the award will provide her further opportunities to help students realize their goals and to train and mentor new advisors within the college.

Accordingly, Arboleda believes Mitchell is an ideal recipient for the award.

“She is truly invested in the lives of her students – and, regardless of their situation, she always treats them with respect and honesty,” Arboleda says.

In addition to her exceptional academic advising, Mitchell has made several other contributions to the college, including the implementation of a graduation survey that helps the OSS review and improve its graduation services. She also played an integral role in the creation of a student organization, Bridging the Cultures of Education (BCOE), which strives to promote and increase awareness about multicultural education through student training, recruitment and educational community outreach.

Mitchell credits her success to the OSS staff.

“The commitment, dedication, and knowledge of this advising team and the entire office has challenged me to become a better, more synergetic advisor,” she says. “I would not be the adviser I am today without the help and support of my colleagues.”