PACADA honors two academic advisors for outstanding work

Cassie Pendleton, outstanding new professional, and Pat George, outstanding academic advisor. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca McElhoe) Download image

The Purdue Academic Advising Association (PACADA) recently honored two academic advisors for their exceptional care and dedication to student success.

The names of past award winners are listed on plaques in Schleman Hall.

Outstanding Academic Advisor: Pat George, Pharmacy

George was chosen for this award because of his excellence in advising, his care for students, his celebration of student success and his help in navigating their disappointment. He excels at both challenging and supporting students, his nominators said.

George is almost always present at student award and recognition events and student organization activities. He takes the time to get to know faculty to assist students with making connections for career advice, research opportunities and networking.

One of George’s strengths according to his nominators is his calm demeanor and ability to diffuse situations with advice gained over years of experience. One student said that it is nearly impossible to put into words the impact he has had on their life and that George was always an excellent listener, providing guidance through every problem ever thrown at them. Another student called him their advisor for life.

“Our students will be alumni for a much longer time than they will be students,” George said. “We need to make sure they know someone cares they were here and build a positive, meaningful relationship that will last a life time.”

Outstanding New Professional: Cassie Pendleton, Polytechnic Institute

Pendleton was chosen for this award because she goes above and beyond to help her students set academic goals and connect them to resources they need to be successful. She treats all students fairly and sees each of them as a successful person.

Pendleton’s nominators said that she has a knack for establishing trusting relationships with students and doesn’t hesitate to share stories from her own student experience to help advisees. “No matter where I go, what I do, the grades I may get or the challenges I face, I count my blessings each day knowing that no matter what happens, I have her in my corner,” one student said.

Pendleton attends local, regional and national conferences, co-leads a learning community on campus and frequently attends meetings with campus partners. She is dedicated not only to her students but to the success of advisors and students across campus.

Writer: Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, kschnied@purdue.edu
Source: Jacqueline Boudreaux, boudrea1@purdue.edu