Tim Kerr receives Sandra K. Monroe Excellence in Student Services Award

In April, the Office of the Provost honored Tim Kerr, senior assistant director of academic programs in the College of Agriculture, with the Sandra K. Monroe Excellence in Student Services Award, which is bestowed annually to honor a student-facing professional who carries on Monroe’s legacy of exceptional service and student advocacy.

“I’m honored to receive this award and grateful for the support of my colleagues,” Kerr said. “I had the opportunity to work alongside Sandy through University Undergraduate Academic Advising. Our shared history makes this recognition especially meaningful because her example inspires my commitment to excellence in student services. I’m fortunate to work with the students, staff and faculty in the College of Agriculture, as well as student services professionals across Purdue, who make these efforts so enjoyable.”

Since 2003, Kerr has held numerous advising roles at Purdue, in both biological sciences and the College of Agriculture. Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Kerr has taught fall and spring agricultural courses and has served on the College of Agriculture curriculum committee, as an advisor with the campus co-op program and as a faculty fellow with University Residences. In addition, he is an engaged member of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising and the Purdue Academic Advising Association (PACADA), and he created a group of Purdue agriculture advisors known as PAgADA.

“Tim embodies the spirit and legacy of Sandra K. Monroe through the breadth, depth and intentionality of his commitment to student excellence. His work advocating for student veterans, first-generation students and those navigating academic difficulty mirrors Sandy’s lifelong dedication to ensuring access, care and coordinated support across diverse student populations,” said Heather Servaty-Seib, senior associate provost for teaching and learning. “He advances a values-driven advising community grounded in intentional presence and parallel process — impacting students because advisors want to be there. His retention efforts, systematic outreach to students on notice and thoughtfully designed moments of appreciation speak to a philosophy of proactive care and connection.”

Letter submissions from students attest to Kerr’s willingness to go the extra mile and to the enduring, personal impact of his intentional interactions with students. Kerr also earned the PACADA Outstanding New Professional Award in 2005 and the Biological Sciences Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award in 2002.

The Sandra K. Monroe Excellence in Student Services Award celebrates individuals who exhibit exceptional service to students and commitment to student success. Established to honor the lasting contributions of Monroe, whose career at Purdue University spanned nearly 45 years and profoundly impacted student experience, the award was first presented in 2022.