THE BEST OF
BOILERMAKERS
Purdue University encourages its students to take giant leaps, but they are never asked to do it alone.
That’s where academic advisors come in.
Boilermakers are required to meet with their advisors at least twice a year for academic planning. During these discussions, there are certain expectations that must be met—however, many of Purdue’s advisors are known for going above and beyond their title.
“Advisors provide information for students to consider as they navigate their educational journeys,” says Zenephia Evans (PhD S’97), associate dean of students for education and advocacy. “Advising provides an opportunity for Boilermakers to share the passions that will shape their majors and plans of study. It also encourages extracurricular interactions that will allow students to increase their self-awareness and their collaboration, communication, and critical-thinking skills.”
Through the university’s All Aboard Purdue orientation program, meeting with an advisor and requesting courses for the first semester is the second step for all incoming and transfer students after they complete an online orientation module. This means that academic advisors are the first university staff members that many Boilermakers meet.
“We have the opportunity to work with students during the best, average, and worst of times, and we help educate students on the paths that are available based on the situation,” Evans says. “Sometimes, we have to acknowledge that what is wanted may not always be available, and what is available may not always be ideal, but these are realities we can help the students manage.”
“Advising provides an opportunity for Boilermakers to share the passions that will shape their majors and plans of study.”
Purdue University encourages its students to take giant leaps, but they are never asked to do it alone.
That’s where academic advisors come in.
Boilermakers are required to meet with their advisors at least twice a year for academic planning. During these discussions, there are certain expectations that must be met—however, many of Purdue’s advisors are known for going above and beyond their title.
“Advisors provide information for students to consider as they navigate their educational journeys,” says Zenephia Evans (PhD S’97), associate dean of students for education and advocacy. “Advising provides an opportunity for Boilermakers to share the passions that will shape their majors and plans of study. It also encourages extracurricular interactions that will allow students to increase their self-awareness and their collaboration, communication, and critical-thinking skills.”
Purdue University/Rebecca Robiños (LA’16)
Purdue University/Rebecca Robiños (LA’16)
Through the university’s All Aboard Purdue orientation program, meeting with an advisor and requesting courses for the first semester is the second step for all incoming and transfer students after they complete an online orientation module. This means that academic advisors are the first university staff members that many Boilermakers meet.
“We have the opportunity to work with students during the best, average, and worst of times, and we help educate students on the paths that are available based on the situation,” Evans says. “Sometimes, we have to acknowledge that what is wanted may not always be available, and what is available may not always be ideal, but these are realities we can help the students manage.”
“Advising provides an opportunity for Boilermakers to share the passions that will shape their majors and plans of study.”
It’s during those “worst of times” when many advisors go the extra mile in order to best meet the academic needs of a student.
Kylie Richardson (HHS’23) was extremely guarded when she began her journey with her academic advisor—her goal was to schedule her classes and be done. She had too much experience with people not believing in her ability to be a nurse, and she wasn’t about to open that door again.
Over time, her comfort level improved, and she recognized the positive impact an advisor can have. When Richardson got really sick her junior year, her advisor was one of the first people who knew.
“She was the first person who truly advocated for me,” says Richardson, who is now a nurse at Ascension St. Vincent. “She fought for my academic progress when I was unable to fight for myself. She would check in on me. She made me feel like I always had someone I could go to when I needed help or when I just needed someone to listen. I owe a lot to her because she pushed me to be the best I could be.”
It’s during those “worst of times” when many advisors go the extra mile in order to best meet the academic needs of a student.
Kylie Richardson (HHS’23) was extremely guarded when she began her journey with her academic advisor—her goal was to schedule her classes and be done. She had too much experience with people not believing in her ability to be a nurse, and she wasn’t about to open that door again.
Over time, her comfort level improved, and she recognized the positive impact an advisor can have. When Richardson got really sick her junior year, her advisor was one of the first people who knew.
“She was the first person who truly advocated for me,” says Richardson, who is now a nurse at Ascension St. Vincent. “She fought for my academic progress when I was unable to fight for myself. She would check in on me. She made me feel like I always had someone I could go to when I needed help or when I just needed someone to listen. I owe a lot to her because she pushed me to be the best I could be.”
Richardson’s story is not an uncommon one among Boilermakers.
Every year, the Purdue Academic Advising Association (PACADA) honors two academic advisors for their dedication to student success and active involvement in the university community. The 2023 recipients are examples of advisors who regularly go the extra mile.
Tiffany Stergar (LA’06), assistant director of advising professional development for the undergraduate academic advising office, was nominated by a student who said: “Tiffany made me more confident in myself. Without her, I would not be the person I am today.”
Stergar is known for the compassionate way she supports students through their academic journeys—from learning about their goals and families to editing their resumes and cover letters. She has even made time to help students who were not under her guidance but needed assistance.
Alyssa Powers, a retention specialist and preveterinary advisor in the College of Agriculture, was nominated by a student who said: “Dr. Powers has a caring nature that is evident in her words and actions. She not only provided a roadmap of courses to take and possible extracurriculars for someone with a preveterinary medicine concentration but also took the time to check up on my mental and emotional health as someone new to campus.”
When Powers learned one of her students was living in their vehicle, she reached out to multiple campus offices and area nonprofits and knocked on the doors of local churches to provide the student with a list of food pantries, community resources, low-cost housing options, and emergency loan information.
“Every day that I enter Helen B. Schleman Hall, I look forward to the encounters awaiting me that will allow me to help a Boilermaker understand their path at Purdue,” Powers says.
“Our connections are built on truth and trust, and it is always rewarding when an alum shares that they felt I was in their corner and that my words, smiles, and actions allowed them to feel a sense of belonging.”
Richardson’s story is not an uncommon one among Boilermakers.
Every year, the Purdue Academic Advising Association (PACADA) honors two academic advisors for their dedication to student success and active involvement in the university community. The 2023 recipients are examples of advisors who regularly go the extra mile.
Tiffany Stergar (LA’06), assistant director of advising professional development for the undergraduate academic advising office, was nominated by a student who said: “Tiffany made me more confident in myself. Without her, I would not be the person I am today.”
Stergar is known for the compassionate way she supports students through their academic journeys—from learning about their goals and families to editing their resumes and cover letters. She has even made time to help students who were not under her guidance but needed assistance.
Alyssa Powers, a retention specialist and preveterinary advisor in the College of Agriculture, was nominated by a student who said: “Dr. Powers has a caring nature that is evident in her words and actions. She not only provided a roadmap of courses to take and possible extracurriculars for someone with a preveterinary medicine concentration but also took the time to check up on my mental and emotional health as someone new to campus.”
When Powers learned one of her students was living in their vehicle, she reached out to multiple campus offices and area nonprofits and knocked on the doors of local churches to provide the student with a list of food pantries, community resources, low-cost housing options, and emergency loan information.
“Every day that I enter Helen B. Schleman Hall, I look forward to the encounters awaiting me that will allow me to help a Boilermaker understand their path at Purdue,” Powers says.
“Our connections are built on truth and trust, and it is always rewarding when an alum shares that they felt I was in their corner and that my words, smiles, and actions allowed them to feel a sense of belonging.”
Built with Shorthand