Tuesday, April 25, 2017

[411] MTSU adviser Hibdon earns regional award for service excellence to students


College of Liberal Arts academic adviser recognized for students’ success


College of Liberal Arts adviser Matthew Hibdon is the latest to be recognized nationally for his efforts with an award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Hibdon will receive the 2017 Region III Excellence in Advising-New Advisor Award later this month.

Hibdon, who has worked at MTSU over a course of nine years and has also earned two degrees from the university, said the award was “a validation of our approach to advising within the College of Liberal Arts.”

“I enjoy helping my assigned students, but I cannot do it alone,” he said. “I help students navigate the logistical parts of their degree programs, while faculty advisers serve as the curricular and career experts for students. Great teamwork between us has made all the difference.”

Hibdon’s award follows last year’s honor for fellow College of Liberal Arts adviser Brad Baumgardner, who advises music majors. He received the 2016 Region III Outstanding New Adviser Award. Baumgardner has worked at MTSU for a little over two years, a time during which the university has increased the number of advisers as part of its Quest for Student Success initiative to improve graduation and retention.

“I was honored to receive the award, mostly because I feel that it reflects the commitment to student success that I see daily in my department, college and across the university,” he said. “I applied for the award in hopes of drawing attention to the changes we’ve been making in the advising model here at MTSU and the results we’ve been able to achieve.”

NACADA is a professional association for individuals in the work of academic advising. The organization has annual conferences that have large impact on adviser professional development. NACADA is composed of 10 regions throughout the United States and Canada. Region III covers Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Several MTSU advisers have been given NACADA awards over the years. Members who meet certain criteria have to be nominated and apply for the award. Applications also include letters of support from supervisors, colleagues and students. Winners receive their awards at NACADA conferences.

To receive a NACADA award means two things to me,” said Lucy Langworthy, who manages the liberal arts advisers. “First of all, it means that the adviser is committed to making himself/herself a better adviser by taking advantage of this very resourceful professional organization. Second of all, getting a NACADA award reflects well on Middle Tennessee State University and recognizes the work that our young leaders are doing on our campus to help students be successful.”

The Region III conference where Hibdon will receive his award will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 19-21. The 2017 state NACADA conference will be held at MTSU on May 8.

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