Seamless Transitions: Auburn's Cary Curtiss honored for Outstanding Student Support

For anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand, the transition from a two-year school to a four-year university like Auburn may seem straightforward and seamless. The assumption is simple: a student completes a two-year degree or some coursework from another institution, transitions to Auburn for their remaining requirements and graduates with a bachelor's degree. Easy enough, right?

In reality, the path is often far more complex.

More than 1,300 students transfer to the university each year from other institutions, bringing with them a unique set of experiences, expectations and needs. Beyond navigating the admissions process, transfer students face a series of steps, including transfer orientation, transcript articulation, class registration and relocating to a new town. Each of these steps carries its own set of unexpected challenges, making their journey to Auburn more complex and stressful than that of traditional students.

Cary Curtiss, associate registrar and director of the university's Pathway and Transfer Center, understands how the non-traditional path transfer students take is often paved with uncertainties. Established in 2022, the center oversees unique programs that support students at different stages of their transfer journey.

"In many respects, transfer students have more unique challenges compared to traditional students due to their need to make the most of a shorter timeframe," Curtiss said. "From the moment they step foot on campus, transfer students are already having to think about their post-graduate plans while also navigating a new college experience."

In recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to student success, Curtiss will be honored as the Outstanding Student Support Representative at next week's annual Provost Advising Awards. The award highlights her ability to lead a unit that seamlessly blends strategic thinking, mentorship and personal support and acknowledges her efforts to increase resources for Auburn's transfer student population.

"The recognition of Dr. Curtiss by her peers highlights our institution's steadfast commitment to providing an exceptional student experience," said Chase Bringardner, associate provost for academic affairs. "Her leadership and dedication to enhancing the transfer student experience underscore the vital role personalized support and mentorship play in helping our students succeed at Auburn."

Pathways to Success

With an emphasis on supporting non-traditional students and fostering growth-minded paths for personal development, the center assists those transferring to Auburn through three key programs – the Transfer Student Success Program, Path to the Plains and Auburn First, the university's dual enrollment program. By creating opportunities for students to map their Auburn journey in a way that best suits their individual needs, the center has become a quality resource for academic partners and prospective students, thanks in part to Curtiss.

"It is incredibly important to me that we offer programs that genuinely benefit students who want to come to Auburn," Curtiss said. "To me, we are an institution that strives to be the best. Quality, to me, is not just about accuracy or good design, but about combining both with genuine care."

By drawing on their shared experience and knowledge, Curtiss and her team focus on equipping students with the tools to make informed decisions regarding their academic goals. In addition to developing best practices for transfer students, Curtiss has become a driving force in creating programs that highlight the intersection between transfer access and student success. With a clear focus on increasing efficiencies, Curtiss and their team collaborate with various campus units to streamline processes and help students navigate academic resources and tools available.

"The level of support and mentorship we offer continues long after a student is admitted to Auburn and enrolls," Curtiss stated. "Our staff provide advice and counseling on everything from academic requirements to navigating campus and often serve as liaisons between students and campus units."

Leadership in Action

A member of the Registrar's Office for nearly a decade, Curtiss has dedicated much of her career at Auburn to enhancing the transfer student experience. Since 2017, she has helped process three times the number of student transcripts received annually, significantly reducing stress for transfer students awaiting registration.

Recognizing an opportunity to strengthen Auburn's role in dual enrollment, Curtiss collaborated with university partners to establish Auburn First in 2018. Understanding the benefits of dual enrollment for high school students, the center has seen the program's enrollment grow by more than 400 percent since 2022. Curtiss attributes this success to the center's emphasis on openness, trust and quality – key values she inspires in her students and team alike.

"As proud as I am of our team's hard work in bringing all of this to fruition, I am equally proud of the extremely supportive, dynamic, productive and mutually respectful office culture we have established," Curtiss said.

By focusing on providing students with the tools to explore their options and access the right information at the right time, Curtiss continues to foster an inclusive and supportive academic environment—key aspects of the award. Recognizing exceptional dedication and leadership in student support services, the Outstanding Student Support Representative Award celebrates Auburn's advising community members who contribute to the university’s exceptional student experience.

However, Curtiss believes that providing an exceptional student experience starts with ensuring an outstanding experience for the center's staff and student workers. This perspective resonates deeply with her team, particularly Beth Hatcher, director of academic programs.

"I have had the privilege of working closely with Cary and learning from her through various programs over the years," Hatcher said. "Her exceptional, methodical guidance and unwavering dedication to individual student needs and overall student success have profoundly impacted countless students' lives, as well as my career."

To read more about this year's Provost Advising Awards recipients, visit aub.ie/provostadvisingawards.