Sharon Louis

College of Health and Human Sciences
lauds FCNS academic adviser

by Mark McGowan

Sharon Louis, academic adviser in the School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences at NIU, is the winner of the 2003-04 Excellence in Academic Advising Award.

The award was established in the fall of 1998 by the College of Health and Human Sciences. Members of the Student Advisory Committee review the nominations and select the winner. Selection is based on an individual’s interpersonal skills and caring attitude toward students as well as their mastery of institutional requirements and procedures.

Louis holds a master’s degree in family social services – an area of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences – and came to NIU two years ago to get back in the field. She previously had worked as a family support specialist for a Head Start program, an office manager for a property management company and in marketing.

Bad experiences with academic advising during her own college years turned her that direction.

Advisers, she said, must understand not only the requirements for earning a degree but the students who come for guidance.

“Students often turn to advisers in times of confusion,” Louis said. “Advisers must be knowledgeable enough to provide a variety of solutions so that when students leave the adviser’s office they no longer feel confused, but instead feel an assured sense of direction. Advisers must be dependable, enthusiastic, trustworthy and approachable.”

Louis, who works with more than 300 undergraduates from new students and transfers to those seeking teacher certification, is honored her students nominated her. “It says I’m doing a good job,” she said.

Mary Pritchard, chair of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences, praises Louis for her strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

“Sharon is a real gem,” Pritchard said. “She is really proactive in identifying potential problems and trying to resolve them before they hit, setting policies that are very student friendly. She’s also very great with the students. She is very personable and makes them feel comfortable.”

Louis’ nomination now goes to the National Academic Advising Association for the national award recognition program.

6-9-03