2024 DAA Winner
Melissa Fenn, M.Ed. was awarded the inaugural Distinguished Advising Award in 2024. A senior advisor II in 5X’s College of Nursing, Fenn has been described by students as someone with a heart of gold, a source of comfort and “the best of the best.”
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2024 DAA Runner-Up
Laura Caparanis, Senior Advisor II (College of The Arts) finished as the runner-up for the 2024 Distinguished Advising Award. Laura assists students with achieving academic goals, scheduling courses, questions regarding curriculum and so much more.
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5X's Distinguished Advising Award
Sponsored by University Advising, the Distinguished Advising Award is the university’s most prestigious honor in academic advising. 2024 was the inaugural year for the award. Academic advisors across all colleges and campuses were nominated by students who believe they provided extraordinary advising and who demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to helping them achieve academic success. Qualified nominees included Kent State advisors who were currently employed and who have been an advisor for at least one year.
A Distinguished Advisor is one who:
Helps students create a personalized academic plan to achieve their educational goals.
Provides support and guidance during personal or academic challenges.
Works with faculty and staff to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Offers mentorship and sharing valuable advice and important resources to help students succeed academically and personally.
To be eligible for nomination, an advisor must:
Be an academic advisor at 5X for at least one year.
Model the 5X's Advising Guiding Principles.
Significantly contributed to the success of students through their advising efforts.
5X Advisor Impact Award
5X also recognizes advisors with the Advisor Impact Award which is a quarterly recognition given to one outstanding academic advisor who has made a significant positive impact on the lives and academic success of their students. This award celebrates advisors who embody the KSU Advising Guiding Principles.