Department of Animal Science Professor Jim Fadel has been awarded a certificate of merit from The Global Community for Academic Advising (NACADA).

Fadel is the former master advisor for the animal science and management major. He was selected in the region 9 excellence in advising category for a faculty advisor and will be honored during the organization’s virtual regional conference March 23-24.

“Jim is always present at our student events and activities such as New Student Orientation and Decision Days—and always with a big circle of students around him as he patiently and enthusiastically answers their questions,” said Susan Ebeler, CA&ES associate dean for Undergraduate Academic Programs. “Jim is a model faculty advisor, known for his empathy, student-centered philosophies and his dedication to student success. We are pleased to see his contributions recognized with this regional award!”

Fadel is particularly dedicated to supporting students’ overall health and wellness. He knows that being a student can sometimes be challenging, and reminds them that their mental and physical health is equally important. He connects them to resources as needed.

In a normal year, most students in the major felt comfortable stopping by Fadel’s office in Meyer Hall, and he would have a conversation with them about how the quarter was going. With online instruction, things are different these days.

“We as advisors and instructors miss the opportunities that can only come with in-person interactions,” he said. “For the top students, online courses are not an issue, but struggling students might fall through the cracks because the system wasn’t designed to help students through online interactions easily.”

In 2020, Fadel also was a recipient of the Eleanor and Harry Walker Advising Award. It’s no surprise he has earned a reputation in the college for boosting student self-confidence and encouraging students to successfully pursue their academic and career goals—whether those goals were in animal science or elsewhere in the university.

NACADA recognizes that effective academic advising is at the core of student success and supports the development and dissemination of innovative theory, research and practice of academic advising in higher education.