Sarah A. Mesick, School of Health Sciences, selected for prestigious NACADA honor

Albany, N.Y. (May 8, 2012) – Sarah A. Mesick, an advisor for the Excelsior College School of Health Sciences, has been named a 2012 recipient of the National Academic Advising Association’s (NACADA) Outstanding New Award, in the academic advising-primary role category. She is one of only six nationwide to receive the award this year.

The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students and who have served as an advisor for a period of three or fewer years. Ms. Mesick will be recognized at NACADA's 36th annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee October 4 – 7, 2012. She is the 17th Excelsior College academic advisor bestowed the honor since 1991.

"This recognition is a testament to Sarah’s hard work and dedication to our adult learners and a proud moment for Sarah, her family, and our institution," said Dr. Mary Beth Hanner, provost and chief academic officer for Excelsior College. "Sarah joins an elite but growing list of Excelsior academic advisor’s to earn this prestigious honor."

Ms. Mesick first came to Excelsior in 2006 as an admissions counselor and has spent the past two years as an advisor in the School of Health Sciences. A resident of Oswego, New York, Ms. Mesick earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York and a Master’s of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy Studies from the State University of New York at Albany.

"This award has provided me with the opportunity to reflect on the role that we as advisors can play in a helping our students overcome obstacles and realize their academic and career pursuits," said Ms. Mesick. "It also acts as an ever-present reminder of the importance of life long learning – every day I am looking for ways to improve."

Established in 1983, the nonprofit Annual Awards Program for Academic Advising honors individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. NACADA’s membership stands at over 10,000 and consists of faculty members, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal, and vocational needs of students.