NATCHITOCHES – Michelle Holcomb, assistant professor and coordinator of Criminal Justice in Northwestern State University’s School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs, was named recipient of 2024 Faculty Excellence in Academic Advising Award. The award, presented by the university’s office of Academic Engagement and Student Success during the annual Fall Faculty Institute, recognizes faculty for their mentorship and commitment to student success. Criteria include knowledge, helpfulness and accessibility.
“This award is such an honor,” Holcombe said. “I am very much committed to our students and only want for them what is best and will enable them to succeed.”
Holcombe has been advising students since she was hired fulltime at NSU in August 2014, working with 120-170 students per year. She said she is honored to be part of a great advising team.
“My best practice for advising students is that each student is a unique individual,” she said. “Our advising team takes the time to meet the student where they are. We want to find out their interests, where they are from and where they want to go when they complete their degree. We want to ensure they have a good experience, but most importantly we want to ensure they get what they need for their path in life.”
An academic advisor is a professor or major instructor who works with students one on one to help keep them on track with the requirements to graduate. They often help students register for courses, choose a major or minor and select courses that will enhance their academic experience and/or career path. Holcombe said that while advising all students has been rewarding, the students who keep in touch with her after graduation are most meaningful.
“I am honored to watch them chase their dreams. I am just privileged to know that in some way, I helped them. If they don’t remember me, that’s ok. I just want to know each day that what I accomplished was a little stepping stone to help someone climb their ladder of success.”
