The fifth annual Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards celebrated the efforts of Southeast’s academic advisors. There were 54 faculty and professional advisors nominated for this year’s award, of which 35 were eligible to receive the award.  Criteria for the award includes being Master Advisor certified and advising at Southeast a minimum of 2 years. 

“The Outstanding Advisor Awards highlight those who do an excellent job with their students every day,” said Amanda Eller, director of Academic Advising at Southeast. “Our 2022 winners, Pauletta Burns and Belinda McMurry are amazing advisors who always put their students first and are personable and compassionate in everything they do for students.”

Burns, coordinator of academic and student services at the University’s Poplar Bluff delivery site, and McMurry, instructor of engineering and technology, were selected by an awards committee comprised of the previous award winners from the past two years and the Dean of Students office. 

Burns and McMurry were selected for their knowledge of academic information, resources, majors and career-related information and their use of that knowledge in assisting students. They were also recognized for how they make academic advising a priority and how they use innovative advising techniques, advising materials and systems.

Burns was nominated by multiple students for her empathy and commitment.

“I am so proud to be recognized by the University and Advising for doing a job I truly enjoy,” Burns said. “Being recognized by our Poplar Bluff students brings me joy as I watch them become successful with all their endeavors. My goal as an advisor is to assist students through the University processes and to make their experience at Poplar Bluff a seamless process. I try to inspire students through encouraging them and letting them know they can achieve their goals. After all students don't know what they don't know. Therefore my job is to listen, encourage, assist them in meeting their needs, and celebrate their achievements.”

McMurry was nominated by multiple students for her compassion and dedication. 

“Advising and mentorship of my students is something that I am truly passionate about; so being awarded for something that is so important to me, is a great honor,” McMurry said. “It is my goal to ensure that my students take ownership of their collegiate experience, but I want my students to know that there is always someone willing to help them and that they are important and valued – I strive to be this person for all my students. I believe that creating positive relationships start with letting students know that you are approachable, accessible, and that you truly want to help them. But most important, is the ‘follow through’ – actually being there for our students when they need us the most, as an advisor or mentor.” 

Southeast has nominated Burns and McMurry for the National Academic Advising Association’s (NACADA) Outstanding Advising Award, using the information from their application packets to advance their consideration for this global distinction.