AAC New Academic Advisor of the Year Guadalupe Rodriguez

University of Arkansas

Guadalupe Rodriguez, academic counselor for the College of Education and Health Professions, was awarded the Academic Advising Council's New Academic Advisor of the Year award. Applicants are nominated by their department and selections are made by AAC from a pool of nominees for overwhelming evidence of qualities and practices that include availability to students, interpersonal skills, mastery of institutional policies and procedures, appropriate referrals to resources, monitoring of student progress and goals, and ongoing partnership with colleagues and students.

Rodriguez has two years of advising experience and is currently the academic advisor for the programs in exercise science, public health, and recreation and sports management. In addition to advising more than 400 students, Rodriguez assists with freshman and transfer orientation, teaching UNIV 1001 and PGNL 2663, and is a member of the COEHP Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Rodriguez is also an active member of the U of A Latinx Employee Impact group.

Rodriguez is motived by serving her community, and states that her professional journey made her realize that "timely and appropriate guidance can make a critical difference for a student's trajectory, and I have the skillset and passion for serving undergraduate students in the realm of student success." In addition to providing incredible support for her students, letters of recommendation for Rodriguez note that she is a joy to work with and is respected across campus. Rodriguez demonstrates a commitment to making the campus community a welcoming environment for all. Rodriguez was also nominated for the NACADA Outstanding New Advisor award.