March 10, 2025
Three University of Missouri academic advisors were recently recognized for their outstanding work during the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region 3 and Region 7 Conference.
Kibby Smith, advisor for international studies in the College of Arts & Science, received the NACADA Region 7 Excellence in Advising Award.
“Advising is connecting with students and building relationships to help them reach their educational goals,” Smith said. “It requires being a good listener and having empathy; knowledge of curriculum, policies, and procedures; and awareness of campus resources.”
Smith finds advising personally fulfilling, saying she believes that advising is a good fit for her personality, skills, interests and values.
Taylor Morrow, senior academic advisor in the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, received the NACADA Region 7 Certificate of Merit for New Advisor.
“During my undergraduate career I struggled to keep up and encountered barriers and challenges to being as successful as I wanted,” Morrow said. “Now as an advisor, I can support students experiencing similar challenges and help empower them to reach their academic goals.”
Nora Hager, academic advisor for the Child Life program, assistant teaching professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Human Development & Family Science in the College of Education & Human Development, was awarded the NACADA Region 7 Certificate of Merit for Faculty Advisor.
“It is so gratifying to see my advisees grow during their matriculation at Mizzou,” Hager said. “I enjoy building rapport with them and witnessing their shift from student to professional. Our department is all about human development, and seeing advisees gain confidence as well as the skills and knowledge to effectively support children and families in pediatric health care settings is satisfying.”
All three advisors received Mizzou’s Excellence in Advising Award in 2024. Through their collaboration with students and faculty, they have demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting the success of others.
