Kate Shafer

 

Kate Shafer

Academic Advisor

Department of Curriculum and Instruction / Department of Human Development and Family Studies

 

Outstanding Advisor Award

 

In advising more than 175 students across two disciplines and teaching an orientation class, Kate Shafer certainly has her hands full. What sets her apart is the extra time, dedication and personal care she puts into helping each and every one of her advisees succeed.

Shafer relies on her own experiences as an undergraduate to target her communication specifically to students and establish relationships with them, making each advising session as positive as possible. Priding herself on her dependability and knowledge, Shafer gives each student the respect and attention they need in order to fulfill their personal and academic goals. Her colleagues note that she is able to recognize and take whatever action is necessary to help students progress, “whether it is a stern reminder or a shoulder to cry on.”

Her exceptional organizational skills allow her to keep up with the numerous, specific and changing requirements of the University Teacher Education Program, an essential benchmark for all students hoping to become licensed teachers. She reliably provides timely e-mails and job opportunity reminders in order to make sure her advisees are well-prepared, contributing to her reputation as an outstanding advisor and deeply caring individual.

Of the many testaments to Shafer’s performance given in student evaluations and nomination letters, one statement stands out: “She has such a deep commitment to her advisees and goes above and beyond to help future educators succeed. She is one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know.” As the College of Human Sciences strives to make an impact on the quality of people’s lives, Kate Shafer’s efforts as an academic advisor perennially fulfill its mission.