2023 Advising Excellence Awards
June 16, 2023
The Global Advising Council, Office of Academic Affairs, and the Academic Advising Center strive to recognize and honor excellence in academic advising across Webster University. The Advising Excellence Award, awarded annually to two Webster advisors, calls attention to the best work in this area and recognizes the high-impact practices that contribute to Webster’s "global student-centered experience." The award recognizes faculty and staff advisors who demonstrate advising at its finest.
Excellent advisors are:
· Caring and helpful.
· Knowledgeable about curriculum and academic policies.
· Actively engaged in fostering the academic and career goals of their advisees.
The Global Advising Council, Office of Academic Affairs, and the Academic Advising
Center are pleased to announce the 2023 Advising Excellence Award Winners.
2023 Outstanding Faculty Advisor
Shannon Kispert
Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
College of Science & Health
Kispert was nominated by a faculty member who emphasized Kispert’s ability to have a calming influence on both advisees and colleagues.
Stephanie Schroeder, chair of the Biological Sciences department, also spoke to Kispert’s attributes.
“As department chair, I assign student advisees to faculty in the department. In her first year at Webster, I accidentally assigned Dr. Kispert a disproportioned number of transfer students. She accepted the challenge with grace, learning about advising as a trial by fire. Shannon is the main advisor for preprofessional students (medical, dental, veterinary). She interacts with advisees under stressful circumstances while remaining knowledgeable about curriculum and policies."
In her advising statement, Kispert spoke about the importance of creating relationships
and establishing a culture of care wherever she may be. Whether it’s in the lab, classroom,
or while advising three Webster clubs, she believes that “Care is truly at the heart
of excellent advising.”
2023 Outstanding Staff Advisor
Dinah Gygi
Graduate Academic Advisor
Academic Advising Center
Gygi was nominated for this award by a Webster University student. When asked why he/she nominated Gygi, the student was quick to explain.
“Dinah is the advisor I could have only dreamed of when I started my journey as an
online graduate student. It always feels as though she is by your side every single
step of the way. She is unafraid to take constructive action, advises in a way that
makes sense and makes your degree path totally clear, and always has an answer for
you instantly, even for the most unusual of questions. She never seems to tire of
speaking with you, and is always professional, positive, and a true ray of sunshine
on the day. I have had full confidence and trust in her since day one."
Gygi was also nominated by Gary Ford, chair of the Department of Communications, who stated that, “Dinah is a proactive, informed, caring advisor who always has
students' interests at heart.”
Gygi’s advising approach is rooted in making connections and building relationships with her advisees. When asked about her advising approach, Gygi outlines that, “Connection is the glue that holds it all together and can be a lifeline for the student.”
She notes the value of taking an intentional approach to interactions, actively listening, and “recognizing the whole person, not just the student.”
Congratulations to this year’s award winners! They will receive a framed certificate and their names will be added to the plaque of honorees in the Advising Center.