Celebrating advising award winners during Global Advising Week

Academic Advising Initiatives, part of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, recently named the recipients of its 2025 advising awards.

“The annual advising awards are a way for us to recognize the great work advisors do here at Virginia Tech,” said Lauren Thomas, interim associate vice provost for Student Success Initiatives and director of Academic Advising Initiatives. “We want our academic and career advisors to know they do outstanding work in supporting student success and to have that work be recognized among the Virginia Tech community.” 

As Virginia Tech celebrates its advising community during Global Advising Week April 27-May 3, it honors the 2025 Advising Award winners and the way they live out the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by going above and beyond for students.  

2025 University Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising

Melissa Cumbia, professional academic advisor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment Advising and Career Center, received this award that recognizes an individual who serves undergraduate advisees in exemplary ways.

“As an advisor, I strive to provide students with information so they can make knowledgeable decisions about their personal higher education journey,” Cumbia said “I aim to be a helpful resource, committed partner, and advocate for my students as they pursue their individual educational and professional goals.”

2025 University Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising

Daniel Hoek, assistant professor of philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, received this award for serving graduate advisees in exemplary ways.

"I consider the work I do with graduate students to be the most rewarding component of my job at VT,” Hoek said. “My goal in a meeting is always to make the student see the next crucial step, rather than covering every hurdle in the road ahead.”

2025 Outstanding New Advisor Award

Michelle Flinchum, professional academic advisor in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, received this award that recognizes an individual who serves undergraduate advisees in exemplary ways. 

"Not many people are fortunate enough to love the work they do,” Flinchum said. “I consider myself lucky in my position as an academic advisor to have a small role in the lives of tomorrow’s changemakers. I find immense fulfillment in fostering a sense of belonging among my students while guiding and celebrating them on their journey towards academic achievement and self-discovery."

2025 Outstanding Administrator Award

Karen Watson, recently retired senior director of academic support in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, was recognized for serving in exemplary ways as a director of advising.

"Academic advising is more than a process by which a student selects classes to enroll in each semester,” Watson said. "It is a decision-making process for the student where they choose many aspects of their academic careers."

2025 Award for Excellence in Career Advising

Priscilla Baker, undergraduate academic and career advisor in the College of Engineering, received this award that is sponsored by Career and Professional Development to recognize an individual who serves undergraduate advisees in exemplary ways.

According to Baker,  "At the end of the day, my job is all about relationships. Most importantly, it’s about the relationship I establish with each individual student. I am wholly invested in their academic success, their future career endeavors, their overall happiness and well-being, and I think they genuinely know that."

Please visit the awards page to learn how to apply or nominate a colleague for the 2026 awards.

Written by Leighanne Perry