Lucas Simmons, senior adviser and student experience coordinator for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Live Sciences, was awarded the Academic Advising Council 2022 Silo-Busting Award. The Silo-Busting Award honors an individual who has created coordination and collaboration across campus departments. This individual exemplifies a commitment to helping and guidance of others.

Simmons' nomination packet described him as a "forward thinking, persuasive communicator" who "continually strives to improve the overall experiences for students, as shown by his cross-campus coordination efforts and his advocacy for campus-wide policy and process changes." He serves on numerous campus committees, including the Academic Advising Council, the Campus Retention Committee and the U of A's First Scholars Committee.

In his own words about communication across campus:

How would you describe good/effective communication?

Effective communication requires the ability clearly express oneself and actively listen so that ideas can be shared toward an intentional goal. Effective communication requires the intentional exchange of ideas and knowledge to others through differing lenses. Often, this process provides reflection, creates new thoughts and facilitates individual growth.

What is something working with students has taught you about being a student advocate?

Working with students has taught me that no student is alike and that we must guide them based on their individual path. As a student advocate, each individual story provides an opportunity to further build relationships on campus that support students. These relationships help me find better ways to solve problems, connect students to resources and cut through red tape that hinders student success. The work can be hard, but seeing students walk across the stage at commencement is worth it all.

Any words of advice or helpful tips for other advisers on this campus?

Do more than what is required, connect with your retention teams, advocate for students and never stop seeking opportunities to learn.

About the AAC: The Academic Advising Council serves as the advisory group for undergraduate academic advising and reports to the provost regarding all matters related to its charge. The Academic Advising Council is charged with assisting the institution to increase the academic success and retention of undergraduate students by highlighting and providing additional support to the academic advising processes. In addition to advising enrichment programming, the Academic Advising Council recommends to the provost goals, procedures and standards for advising, including strategies for the evaluation of advising quality and outcomes.