Mary Skinner, University of Arkansas director of Student Activities, has been named the Southeastern Conference Associated Student Government Advisor of the Year.

"Mary is a passionately dedicated professional who cares deeply for all students which is evident as it's the students who nominated her for this award," said Lori Lander, assistant vice chancellor for Campus Life and associate dean of students. "Additionally, it was her staff that nominated her for the Professional/Non-Faculty-Administrator Employee of the Quarter which she was honored for during the 2nd quarter of 2020-21. It is because of Mary's leadership that the Associated Student Government and the Graduate Professional Student Congress are among the best in the nation. She leads with heart and demonstrates to students a strong work ethic for service all while balancing her life outside of the university as mother and spouse. Her impact is unparalleled as seen by the statements students and staff say about her."

Skinner was honored with the award at the awards portion of the Southeastern Conference Exchange, an annual conference attended by student governments in the SEC, hosted virtually this year by the University of Tennessee.

"We are thrilled for Dr. Skinner and beyond grateful that we had the opportunity to work with her this year," said Julia Nall, president of Associated Student Government for the 2020-21 school year. "She is compassionate, dedicated, and has been a remarkable mentor during a difficult year."

Skinner was nominated for the award by executive members of student government. She has been advising the student groups this year when she typically has someone in a position who works more directly with these students. That position has remained unfilled during the Pandemic.

"In addition to guiding us through what our Dean of Students has described as the most difficult year in recent memory for student leaders, Dr. Mary Skinner advised our Associated Student Government with unprecedented grace, attention, and support," wrote students in the nomination letter. "ASG and Graduate Professional Student Congress (GPSC) are two highly demanding organizations, which is why a full-time staff position with a Master's degree requirement exists to advise them. However, Dr. Skinner effectively took on the role of the student government advisor in addition to her position as director of Student Activities with no idea as to when she would be able to hire a full-time advisor. Dr. Skinner provided immeasurable support to us this year without letting her other responsibilities fall to the wayside. Dr.Skinner is always available, kind, supportive, and she will be greatly missed when the student government advisor position is filled."

"I am so incredibly honored to have been selected for this award." Skinner said. "Entering the 2020 academic year I never expected to advise ASG directly for the whole year. I thought it would be a few months, but this pandemic thought differently. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and the student leaders never stopped and continued to make a huge difference on this campus. I am so proud of all of them and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the future."

Skinner has been with the University of Arkansas since July 2001 and has been in her current position as director of student activities since July 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and English from the University of Central Missouri, a Master of Science in counseling and student personnel from Minnesota State University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas.