LAS VEGAS — Amber Skinner, academic advisor in the Department of Animal Science, is a recipient of an Outstanding New Advisor Certificate of Merit in the Academic Advising – Primary Role category from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), the Global Community for Academic Advising.
The award, presented during the 2015 NACADA Annual Conference in Las Vegas on Oct. 4, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students and who have served as an advisor for a period of three or fewer years.
“Academic advisors are essential to this department and play a key role in the educational development of our students. Amber possesses a sincere and natural ability for guiding our students through their college career. I am proud of Amber and it is highly appropriate that she is recognized on a national level among her peers,” said Dr. Russell Cross, professor and head.
Skinner joined the Department of Animal Science in 2012 and advises more than 400 animal science students each semester. In addition, she oversees all transfer and freshmen New Student Conferences each year and serves as advisor for the animal science Aggie REPS (Recruiting Exceptional Prospective Students). She currently serves on the Texas A&M University Advisors and Counselors Executive Board as treasurer along with many other university committees. In 2014, Skinner received the New Advisor Award from the University Advisors and Counselors group.
One nominator wrote of Skinner, “She is often the first impression a student gets of our department, and it is always a good impression as she is professional, precise, and honest with the students about their future at Texas A&M University and the Department of Animal Science.”
Skinner received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University and a master’s in animal science from Texas A&M University.
Since 1983, NACADA has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. The goal of NACADA is to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students.
NACADA’s membership has grown to over 10,000 faculty, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal, and vocational needs of students. In addition, NACADA is the representative and advocate of academic advising and those providing that service to higher education.
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For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Courtney Coufal at cacoufal@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.