Outstanding First-Year Advocate Awards

The Office of First Year and Transition Programs is excited to continue the legacy of the Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award.  This award recognizes faculty, staff or administrators that have gone above and beyond to ensure student success for our first-year students.  Be on the look out for ways to nominate in Spring 2013.

2011-2012 Winners

Dr. T. Wayne Bailey- Professor, Political Science-"Since I have started at Stetson, whatever kind of advice I needed, Dr. Bailey has always been there willing to help and always patient."

Amy Crane- Professor, School of Music-"Dr. Crane has been a guiding light for me.  What once seemed impossible, has become one of my favorite subjects to study, in class and outside of class.  When I am in class, the word "can't" never crossed my mind.  My confidence level is once again on the way up and beyond its original starting place."

Dr. Ana Eire- Professor, Modern Languages & Literature-"The passion that she has for teaching the language has really inspired me to continue with it [Spanish] and maybe even study abroad in Spain.  No matter how unenthusiastic the class may seem about learning, her attitude remains unchanged.  It is because of her my drive for learning the language has changed." 

 Dr. Bette Heins- Professor, Teacher Education-"Aside from making all the freshmen present feel welcome, she served as an advisor, making our concerns and our life outside of the classroom important.  She opened our minds to new literature in a fun way at 8:30 in the morning.  She made each one of us feel like we were a part of the Stetson community the first day of class. " AND "She is a kind, warm-hearted professor who wants every student to succeed.  Because I was new, she took that one step further and helped to really make Stetson a home for me."

Dr. David Hill- Professor, Political Science- "Since starting at Stetson, Dr. Hill has always been ready to help me out with any sort of advice I needed.  I am forever grateful for his kind words."

Dr. Ekaterina Kudryavtseva- Professor, Art History-"My Art History professor has not only expanded my mind to art theories and philosophies exponentially through her teachings, but has also enriched my passion to continue my work as an artist here at Stetson even further.  I had never had a learning experience quite like the one she provides.  Her passion is shown in her knowledge, her blunt nature, and her teaching style."

Dr. Mitchell Reddish- Professor, Religious Studies-"He has gone above and beyond to help me with my major and made me feel comfortable in the Religious Studies department.  I constantly send him emails with questions and he is always very helpful.  He is always happy to answer any question at any time and puts his students first.  It is his kindness and his words of wisdom that helped me to get through my first semester at Stetson and he has become one of my favorite professors."

Dr. Alicia Schultheis- Professor, Biology-"She would constantly remind students about her office hours and that we could seek her for advice. I am an international student and at the beginning, I was a little lost. I think Dr. Schultheis noticed that and she personally came and told me that I could go talk to her whenever I need help. Her attentiveness made me feel very welcome. Dr. Schultheis is an inspiring person because she carries herself in a professional manner but at the same time, she interacts with students."

Joshua Rust- Professor, Philosophy-"Without Dr. Rust, I would not have made as great an impact at Stetson as I have.  His guidance opened up many avenues that showed me how to get things done on campus--participate in Senate, work with SAFAC, and lead a student organization.  I hope to continue under his tutelage as I complete my years at Stetson."

Dr. John Tichenor- Professor, Decision & Information Sciences-"Dr. Tichenor has made me feel like a part of the Stetson community because he didn't put up a front and invites everyone to visit him in his office all year round; not only during the semester we had him because he enjoys finding out how his students are even after they have moved on.  Being able to confide in someone just to tell them about your classes or how your day is going is very comforting."

Bobby Andrews- Admissions Counselor-"I felt abandoned when my Admissions Counselor left the University over the Summer, but Bobby took me in and helped me feel welcome.  I really appreciate all his help even though I was a Transfer he worked with freshmen."

Rosalie Carpenter- Assistant Dean of Students-"I have only known Rosalie for about a month and a half but her impact on my transition and sense of inclusion in the Stetson community is something that will remain with me for the rest of my time here and long after I graduate. Rosalie is the ideal person for incoming students to get to know. She is approachable, caring, and just overall fabulous. She is part of the reason why my stay here at Stetson is much more enjoyable."

Jack Caywood- The Commons Staff-"Mr. Jack is absolutely wonderful.  Since I've arrived at Stetson he has done everything in his power to make sure that not only myself but everyone on campus is satisfied with their food and is doing well in school.  He always puts a smile on my face.  I can never have a bad day when I'm around him.  You can just tell by even the shortest conversation that he is a genuine person.  Mr. Jack has inspired me by all of his good words of advice.  Because of him, I've come to learn that no matter what I'm going through there's always a positive side to my dilemma."

Savannah-Jane Griffin- Associate Director of Community Engagement- "Savannah-Jane lights up this campus with her warm, caring spirit.  Since the day I met her she has been a mentor and inspiration to me.  As someone completely dedicated to service in every way, she really makes this campus a better place.  She was able to help me through my first semester at Stetson by being a supportive and caring supervisor."

John Moore- Admissions Counselor-"Mr. Moore was there for me throughout my entire transition process and provided excellent service to both myself and my family.  He is a true student advocate and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that the proper resources are utilized and the students receive a warm welcome while making them feel at home.  His professional attitude and caring hear reflect his utmost love for Stetson University."

Lisa Rosencrans- Study Abroad Coordinator-"She is a very encouraging woman and has many "words of wisdom."  She was the one person I could go to to help me get an answer and to also inspire me to not give up.  It's not always the advisors or professor that should receive recognition but the person behind the "curtain" doing all the extra things that no one else does or sees.  I know that if I had a problem right now, she would be the woman I would go to." 

 

 

Pictured: 2011-2012 Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award winner, Amy Crane with her Aural Training II class.

 

 

 

 

 

Past Winners

Dr. John Pearson
Professor, English

Dr. William Nylen
Professor, Political Science

Dr. Scott Jones
Professor, Marketing

David Schmidt
Professor, School of Music

Laura Glander
Administrative Specialist

Dr. Jamil Kadher
Professor, English

Dr. Phillip Lucas
Professor, Religious Studies

Thomas Vogel
Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science