PACADA honors two academic advisors for outstanding work

The Purdue Academic Advising Association (PACADA) has recognized two academic advisors for their exceptional care and dedication to student success.

PACADA honored Ashley York, recipient of the Outstanding Academic Advisor award, and Miranda Jack, recipient of the Outstanding New Professional award, during a virtual ceremony on Feb. 10. PACADA will also hold an in-person event to recognize the recipients later in the semester.

The names of past award winners are listed on plaques in Schleman Hall.

Outstanding Academic Advisor: Ashley York

York was chosen for this 2022 award due to her significant and positive impact on the lives of hundreds of her advisees and her status as a valued and respected member of the Department of Animal Sciences, the College of Agriculture and broader Purdue academic advising community. She consistently maintains a “student-first” attitude, is a role model for others and strives to better her own advising practice every day, according to her nominator.

York is a source of comfort and guidance to her students as she frequently goes out of her way to help others achieve their goals. One former student said, “My very first interaction with Ashley was during a moment of high stress for me ... I frantically called Ashley’s office phone to ask for help ... not only was [she] available for a phone call in my moment of panic, but she also responded with a calm and understanding demeanor.”

Her nominator notes that York will always approach her students with a smile and an upbeat personality as she strives to make others feel welcome and that they belong in the department and at Purdue. “She is approachable, professional, and engaging. She is always someone that I feel I can go to with questions, concerns, or advice,” said one student nominator.

Outstanding New Professional: Miranda Jack

Jack was chosen for this 2022 award due to her desire and passion to touch the lives of each individual student on a personal, academic and professional level. Her work ethic, dependability and professionalism truly embody what it means to be outstanding, her nominator said.

Jack’s compassion for students is evident every day. She consistently receives high marks on her appointment and CODO out surveys, and students express gratitude for her expertise, reliability and kindness. One student nominator said she “exemplifies a true servant leader, putting the needs of her students before her own. She prioritizes the development of her students and shows a genuine interest in their endeavors.”

Jack is involved both in and outside her department, participating in seminars, conferences and workshops to continue improving her skills and knowledge in advising. She is also active in both PACADA and NACADA, the national academic advising organization.

Writer: Bella Vina, ivina@purdue.edu