OU's Shaunda Mankowski wins national academic advisor award

By Katie Land, news editor

Oakland University’s Shaunda Mankowski has distinguished herself as a 2009 Outstanding New Advisor Award winner. The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) is honoring her for her work as a career and academic advisor.

Selected in the primary role category as part of the annual awards program for academic advising, Mankowski will attend a special awards ceremony and reception at the annual NACADA conference in San Antonio this fall.

“Shaunda is an exemplary academic advisor who continually seeks ways to enhance the quality of services provided by the Advising Resource Center (ARC),” said Kim Schultz, director of ARC. “Her approach is student-centered and she is especially proficient at understanding and responding to the unique needs of each student.”

With more than 10,000 members nationwide, NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising and provides a forum for discussion, debate and the exchange of ideas within institutions of higher education, according to their Web site.

Selected for her exceptional interpersonal skills, dedication, flexibility and drive to help students, Mankowski is one of eight academic advisors honored with this award in the national competition this year. This recognition helps raise awareness and promote the quality academic advising provided at OU, according to Schultz.

“I feel honored to be recognized for my accomplishments,” Mankowski said. “It's exciting to have my work acknowledged and I am proud to represent the Advising Resource Center and Oakland University.”

To better serve students, Mankowski designed an interactive general education worksheet and an academic success worksheet. She also took the lead in creating the ARC e-Portfolio and co-developed Career Expedition, a career exploration group.

“In the advising partnership Shaunda establishes with her students, her goal is to lay the foundation for academic success. She works diligently to provide students with the tools for success and has made significant contributions to the ARC,” Schultz continued. “Shaunda’s approach is to empower the individual.”

With three years in her current position, Mankowski said she is most happy with the supportive OU environment and opportunity to help students find their way.

“Helping students navigate their college experience and find the major and career path that is right for them is the best part about my job,” she said. “I seek to provide a creative and personal approach in my advising relationships, programming and resource development.”

It is clear that Mankowski is an important player in the ARC arena. “Shaunda has the unique ability to connect with her students on a personal level while utilizing technology to optimize the advising experience,” Schultz said.

For more information about Oakland’s ARC programs or to speak with an ARC advisor, visit the Web site.