“Advisors are unsung heroes,” said Lauren Thomas, director of academic advising initiatives. “They often see students through their entire time here. They’re not just focused on enrolling them in courses, but really, ‘What is your experience here at Virginia Tech, and how can I, as the academic advisor, help you shape that?’”

With Global Advising Week celebrations under way April 29-May 3, the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs recognized four stellar advisors who proactively impact their students for good.

2024 Alumni Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising

Christina Minford, professional academic advisor, College of Science

What’s your motivation?

I spend a lot of time thinking back on and being thankful for the mentors and academic advisors who positively shaped my own college experience. I felt very seen and supported during a time where I was going through a lot of change and had a lot of pressure to answer the questions of what major and career felt like a fit for me, and other big questions in my personal life. My motivation to be a supportive and encouraging presence to my students stems from my desire to pay it forward, because I know it can truly make a difference to someone.

What’s most rewarding for you about being an advisor?

I teach the psychology First-Year Experience class for incoming transfer students in the fall semester. I really love getting to know the students in the class on a deeper level from classroom discussions and grading their assignments. It’s even more exciting that I will continue to be the academic advisor for most of the students in the class and I can continue to connect with them through graduation and beyond. Transfer students are a really wonderful part of our Hokie community and bring a lot of insight into our institution.

How do you live out Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in your work?

I see being an academic advisor as more than a job — it’s a calling for me to give back the kindness and support that I received. I put my heart into my job and truly desire the best for each of my students. It’s been a privilege to work at Virginia Tech, a place that truly values service, where almost everyone you meet is friendly and willing to help. 

2024 Outstanding New Advisor Award

Kayla Goodwin, professional academic advisor, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Why do advisors matter?

Advisors are on the front lines of student engagement. We are "boots on the ground" employees for Virginia Tech. We have a strong understanding of the needs, successes, and experiences of our students and can advocate on their behalf. We're critical to the ecosystem that is Virginia Tech.

What do you love about being an advisor?

There are so many ways to build a partnership with students as an advisor, and I love that I have multiple opportunities to positively contribute to a student's experience at Virginia Tech. Sometimes it's a huge win for a student to simply complete the course registration process successfully. I also cheer on my student-athletes at their events or when a student gets an internship they've been searching for.

What’s most rewarding for you in your work?

It's extremely rewarding to see my advisees walk across the stage at commencement, knowing all they did to get to that moment. Some of my students are heavily involved in extracurriculars, some are raising children, and some are just trying to get through the week. I love to see them achieve whatever their goals look like. 

2024 Award for Excellence in Career Advising

Dawn Knight, professional academic advisor, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

What's your favorite way to get to know students when they're new in your office?

At the start of an appointment, I don't even look at their academic record until I’ve gotten to know them a bit personally. They wonder why I ask about things like video games, but I'm like, “Oh, my kids and I love Splatoon.” I have a student right now who is in an on-campus K-pop dance group, and when I go to the shows with my 12-year-old daughter I'm like, “That’s one of my students.” I really try to let them know that I care about them beyond their academics, because I do.

What challenges are you helping students overcome?

Sometimes it’s just convincing them that stumbling is OK. A lot of our students come from a high school where they had straight As and didn't have to work very hard. Then they come here and they get their first C, and everything's crashing around them. I try to explain that it's not as big a deal as they think it is. I’m trying to get them out of their own heads and find a way to get to the next place that they want to be.

What's most joyful for you in your work?

When they come to me when they don't need to, like, “Hey, I got a new puppy, I thought I’d come in and show it to you.” That's amazing. I’m important enough that you wanted to drag your poor puppy into Shanks Hall. I do have dog treats and maybe that helps. I wish more students knew that they could come see me even when they don't have a problem. Share the good stuff, too, because all I really want is for you to be successful and leave here ready for the next thing.

2024 Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising

Rana Ashkar, assistant professor of physics, College of Science

Why do you enjoy advising graduate students?

Science is a human endeavor. At the end of the day, students need to feel comfortable and heard in order to express their science identity in the best way possible. The advisor works to create that inclusive, welcoming environment, where everyone feels safe to share their knowledge and their confusion, to voice their opinions and ideas, and to learn that making mistakes is part of the growth process.

What’s your favorite way to connect with your students?

We just hang out as a group, whether it's a hiking trip, a lunch, or a dinner where everyone is interacting socially. I occasionally have my students over for informal gatherings. We also tend to go out as a group to celebrate achievements, like the publication of a paper or significant awards. My group functions really well together, and I think that's because our interactions in the lab and outside help everyone build closer personal connections and a stronger sense of belonging.

What’s your superpower as an advisor?

Making sure that my students get fair and equal opportunities. Coming from an underprivileged background, I am fully aware how the lack of access to opportunities can significantly limit one’s science identity, career trajectory, or perception of success. We have a lot of inequities in our society, and in research and academia. So I always strive to provide my students with ample opportunities to grow as individuals, to grow as scientists.

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