Excellence in Advising
gayle lodato is the field coordinator for the College of Social Work, where she coordinates undergraduate internships. But this is only one of her duties. Lodato serves as adviser for more than 50 social work students—leading all orientation events, meeting with current students and welcoming students changing majors to social work. Because the College of Social Work does not employ an advising staff, five faculty members are responsible for advising every student. Lodato’s advising roster is triple that of most other faculty members. One of her students writes, “It’s said that imitation is the best form of flattery, and my classmates and I always say we hope we can be like Gayle. She is the definition of a social worker and what we should strive to be like professionally.”
casey sams, assistant professor of theater, is a general adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center and acts as director of undergraduate students in the theater department. In the past three years, the theater department has restructured the undergraduate major curriculum, advising plan and faculty advising load. Sams has played a leadership role in it all, and has mentored the other faculty members along the way. Her nominator calls her a “warm and generous presence, and a great listener. She has an acute sensitivity to students’ experiences and is able to give students a deeper perspective of their education and life beyond college.”
Gary Truett, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition, is a faculty adviser who understands that the relationship between students and their advisers is more than just scheduling classes. His advising philosophy reflects his role in helping students reach their full potential, encouraging them to apply their strengths and connecting students with the people and resources that match their talents. One student advisee said, “He helps guide you through college and develop as a person, not just with classes.” Another student mentioned, “It’s a good feeling to know a professional and a professor like Dr. Truett is invested in you, your success and your well-being as a student and as a young person.”
