Two NatSci staff receive academic advising awards
The Global Community for Academic Advising, or NACADA, has selected two advisors in the College of Natural Science (NatSci) at Michigan State University for 2023 Region 5 Excellence in Advising Awards. Dorali Rebollo, human biology and pre-health advisor, will receive the New Advisor honor and Kate Thome, human biology and pre-health advisor, will receive the Primary Role Advisor Award.
The NACADA New Advisor Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students and who have served as an advisor for a period of at least one but no more than three years. The Primary Role award recognizes individuals whose primary role at the institution is the direct delivery of advising services to students.
“Both Kate and Dorali are so deserving of these awards. Their dedication to students and to helping them to find their success is tireless,” said Heidi Purdy, NatSci assistant dean, Academic and Student Affairs Office. “We are lucky to have them as colleagues and could not be prouder of them winning the NACADA Advising Awards.”
For Rebollo, who began her advisor position in 2020, being flexible and innovative was as crucial as her other responsibilities. It was a challenging time to be learning a new role.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” Rebollo said. “Every day I come to work giving my best, hoping to help one student at a time. This award is a great inspiration to continue to give my best daily. I am so thankful for my team; they have supported me every step of the way."
Since 2016, Thome has run the college’s peer advising programs. She is constantly finding ways to improve the student experience.
“I am truly honored to be recognized for my work as an advisor, particularly after all of the change and challenge in the past several years,” Thome said. “It means a lot to be nominated by my colleagues and even more to have the support of students. Reading the letters that my students wrote reminds me of why I do this work and affirms that the little things that often feel unnoticed, really are appreciated.
Rebollo and Thome will be recognized and accept their awards during a ceremony on April 27 at the 2023 NACADA Great Lakes Region 5 Conference in Windsor, Ontario.Banner image: The College of Natural Science (NatSci) at Michigan State University is home to 27 departments and programs in the biological, physical and mathematical sciences. The college averages $57M in research expenditures annually while providing world-class educational opportunities to more than 6,000 undergraduate majors and 1,200 graduate and postdoc students. There are 800+ faculty and academic staff associated with NatSci, and more than 63,000 living alumni worldwide. Credit: Harley J. Seeley
