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Recognizing the exceptional contributions of academic advisors who play a pivotal role in student success, the Office of the Provost is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Provost Advising Awards.

Created in 2012, the awards honor academic, faculty and professional advisors who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to guiding Auburn students through their academic journeys, providing invaluable support and mentorship. The awards acknowledge the broad impact Auburn’s advising community has on fostering student success. From providing guidance on course selection and career planning, Auburn advisors enable students to set and achieve their academic goals, ensuring they have the resources and confidence needed to excel in their studies and beyond.

“We are honored to celebrate the recipients of this year's academic advising awards,” said Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Chase Bringardner. “These exceptional advisors and mentors play a crucial role in shaping the academic journeys of our students and truly personify the values of the Auburn Creed each day.”

This year’s recipients exemplify academic advising and student mentoring excellence, showcasing innovative administrative leadership and impactful support staff. They embody cutting-edge advising approaches and contribute significantly to the development of both students and advisors. The 2025 honorees include:

Outstanding Academic Advising Administrator

Pam Hennessey, M.Ed.
Director of Academic Advising, College of Nursing

Recognizing a distinguished administrator within Auburn’s advising community, Hennessey brings over 20 years of leadership experience, overseeing programs for more than 1,200 students. As a key member of the college’s leadership team, Hennessey has emphasized personalized guidance and assisting students in navigating course selections, clinical placements, and career planning. This approach ensures that current and future nurses are well-prepared for the demanding healthcare field. Additionally, Hennessey implemented a reimagined, holistic admissions process, enhancing student experiences from their initial interactions with the college.

Outstanding Advisor, Primary Role

Elizabeth Gowan
Academic Advisor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

In addition to advising students within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Gowan actively advances student success by co-advising the university’s chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Beyond her advising responsibilities, Gowan has remained actively engaged with Auburn’s advising community, serving the Advisors and Counselors Caucus in various roles, including treasurer (2020-21), chair-elect (2021-22) and chair (2022-23). Leading with the philosophy that students are “more than just a number,” Gowan remains a valuable asset to the college and the university’s broader advising community.

Outstanding New Advisor

Mallory Beck
Academic Advisor, Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture

Honoring an advisor with less than three years of service to Auburn’s advising community, Beck has made significant contributions as an advisor for both the College of Agriculture’s Peer Mentors program and the Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Association. As a two-time Auburn graduate, Beck’s advising philosophy emphasizes providing comprehensive support for all students through campus-wide relationships and resources, including Camp War Eagle and S.O.S. Beck's dedication to fostering student success is evident through her commitment to creating a supportive and enriching environment for all students.

Outstanding Student Support Representative

Dr. Cary Sockwell Curtiss
Associate Registrar, Pathway and Transfer Center, Office of the Registrar

Recognizing individuals who support student success through non-advising roles, Curtiss' dedication to Auburn students' academic and personal success has been evident throughout her service to the university. Since 2020, Curtiss has been an associate registrar and established the Pathway and Transfer Center, a unit she helped create to support students transferring into the institution or utilizing dual or concurrent enrollments. Through the Center, Curtiss supports students in Auburn First, Path to the Plains and key transfer programs, helping them navigate the processes and resources at the university. Curtiss also teaches first-year exploratory courses, demonstrating her commitment to student success inside and outside the classroom.

Outstanding Faculty Mentor

Dr. Makeela Wells
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, College of Liberal Arts

Recognizing a faculty member with over three years of dedicated mentoring service, Wells is celebrated for a mentoring philosophy that emphasizes the cultivation of each student’s unique identity. Since joining Auburn’s faculty in 2020, Wells has also served as an advisor to the Auburn Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, the Sociology Club at Auburn University and the Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society.

Outstanding Advising Program

The Exploration Center
Career Discovery and Success, Office of the Provost

Recognized for its innovative practices that significantly enhance advising services for students who are undecided about their major, the Exploration Center offers a comprehensive approach that ensures Auburn students are well-prepared to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths. Through multiple avenues, including the Exploratory Major and the Action Program, the center guides students through all stages of their academic journey. The center's success is evident in its positive student feedback and high retention rates, aligning with its goals of fostering college and career readiness.

The annual awards ceremony will be held on Feb. 4, and will include remarks from advising community members and university leaders.