MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is joining institutions worldwide in celebrating the work of academic advisors as part of Global Advising Week led by NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising.

NACADA is inviting students, faculty and staff to celebrate academic advisors who guide students’ journeys of success. This year’s Global Advising Week Sunday, April 28, to Saturday, May 4.

“Academic advisors at MTSU are central to the university’s commitment to student success, embodying NACADA’s core values of caring, commitment, empowerment, inclusivity, integrity, professionalism and respect,” Jonell Hinsey, MTSU’s interim associate vice provost for student success and NACADA member. “They are pivotal in fostering collaborative and mentoring relationships between students and the university community.”

Kyle Ross, NACADA executive director, said advising is the only structured service on college campuses that promotes and develops an intentional relationship between students and the institution.

“The research is clear,” Ross said in an organization news release. “There is an irrefutable correlation between strong student connections to an institution and degree completion. That ‘connection’ is academic advising.”

Hinsey noted that by offering a range of support services, MTSU advisors facilitate a “successful and holistic transition” for students, both within the university and into the global community. 

“Their role is critical in preparing students to thrive in their academic and professional pursuits, aligned with the university’s mission to address the emerging needs and challenges of our state, nation and world,” she said. “As we celebrate Global Advising Week, we recognize and appreciate the profound impact our academic advisors have on our students’ educational journeys and their readiness for global citizenship.”

Zoranna Jones, president of the NACADA Board of Directors and assistant dean for the College of Science and Engineering at Texas Christian University, encourages administrators to celebrate academic advisors during this special week.

“This week is an opportunity to celebrate those who do the heavy lifting of supporting our students and aiding in their success. Please take the time to thoughtfully thank and recognize our academic advisors.” 

In addition to any on-campus activities, NACADA is encouraging faculty, students, and staff to post positive messages about their academic advisors on the NACADA Kudoboard.

With executive offices in Manhattan, Kanas, NACADA has 14,000 members worldwide in 30 countries and fulfills its mission through online education, conferences and events, research and publications, and awards and scholarships. Learn more at nacada.ksu.edu.

— Patrice Scott (patrices@ksu.edu) 

— Jimmy Hart (Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu)