NATCHITOCHES – Denise Bailey, assistant professor of Social Work, was named the 2019 Academic Advisor of the Year at Northwestern State University. Bailey was recognized during the university’s annual Fall Faculty Institute Monday. Steve Hicks, executive director of NSU’s Academic Advising Services, presented the award.
“There are several kay characteristics that help define our outstanding advising practices, which include knowledge, helpfulness and accessibility,” Hicks said.
Of her advising, one of Bailey’s students wrote “The thing that makes her so special and outstanding is that she is always checking up to ensure that I do well. She is very encouraging and positive. She makes certain that people know her office is a safe place. She is always pushing people to do their best work. She wants her advisees get the most out of their college experience by ensuring that they are on the right track to graduation. She is outstanding because she has created a bond with me, and I hope that I will have that same privilege when I attend graduate school. She has set the bar very high.”
Bailey was surprised and grateful to receive the honor.
“I try to make myself available to the students,” she said. “If their availability differs from my office hours, I do my best to accommodate them – either face to face or via email, phone call or text messaging. I try to set up the student for success. I encourage students to take a minimum of 15 hours per semester, if they feel they can handle the workload. This way the student should matriculate timely, and, should they need to drop a course, they are still full time which may be necessary for financial aid, including scholarships.”
Bailey contacts students when she has access to their 5-week and mid-term grades to congratulate those who are doing well and offer encouragement and practical advice to those who are struggling.
“To be recognized by receiving the Academic Advising Award is such a great accomplishment. On the same day of receiving this award, I also received my tenure approval notice; and as grateful as I am for that, I’m humbled and so grateful that a student thought of me and took the time to complete the nomination form,” Bailey said.
NSU has recognized Outstanding Faculty Advisors since 2002.
