Outstanding New Advisor Award

Mary Colvin

Academic Advisor II, College of Sciences and Mathematics

Since joining the College of Sciences and Mathematics in 2023, Mary Colvin has demonstrated early excellence in academic advising through a student-centered approach grounded in empathy, preparation and accountability. Drawing on a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher, Colvin brings a strong foundation in individualized instruction and relationship building to her work as an academic advisor, skills that have translated seamlessly to advising in a rigorous STEM environment.

Colvin supports a large and evolving student caseload with an emphasis on proactive planning, clear communication, and long-term academic success. This advising approach is widely recognized for helping students feel supported and understood while guiding them through complex academic decisions with clarity and purpose and balancing encouragement with honest, constructive conversations that enable students to navigate challenges and remain on track toward their goals.

Beyond her direct advising responsibilities, Colvin’s impact extends across campus through collaboration with academic departments and student support offices to ensure coordinated and timely guidance. Her leadership as Social Chair for Auburn University’s Advisors and Counselors Caucus further reflects a commitment to strengthening advising practices and contributing to a collaborative advising culture across the university.

Outstanding Academic Avisor, Primary Role Award

Katie Cooper

Academic Advisor III, College of Sciences and Mathematics

With more than 12 years of experience advising students across STEM disciplines, Cooper supports a large and diverse student population while maintaining extensive knowledge of curriculum requirements across 30 academic major options. With broad engagement with students, colleagues and campus partners, Cooper is widely recognized for her comprehensive approach to advising, as well as for her ability to challenge students constructively while providing the guidance and support necessary to help them make informed decisions and progress toward their academic and professional goals.

Cooper has also expanded experiential learning opportunities for students by developing and leading multiple study abroad programs. In this capacity, she has mentored colleagues across campus on study abroad planning and implementation and has led students to South Africa, Spain, Morocco, Peru and Italy. These programs integrate academic coursework with cultural engagement, aligning with the university’s strategic priorities for expanding global learning. In addition to direct advising responsibilities, Cooper provides leadership through the development of an advisor training manual and the supervision of the College of Sciences and Mathematics’ peer advising program.

Outstanding Student Support Representative

Robin Ellis

Senior IT Business Analyst

Recognized for her impact in a non-advising role, Robin Ellis plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in supporting student success through the systems and processes that enable effective advising across the university. With more than 25 years of experience in information technology, her work ensures that core digital workflows operate reliably and efficiently, providing essential support for advisors and the students they serve. In addition to overseeing key processes related to transfer credit evaluation, course and grade changes, major changes and student certification, Ellis helps maintain data accuracy, consistency and timely issue resolution.

Ellis is widely valued within the advising community for her problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and responsive approach. Through her work across multiple technology platforms, including AU ACCESS, Xtender, Signal Vine, Banner, and Slate, Ellis streamlines processes and improves operational efficiency for both advisors and students. Colleagues consistently describe Ellis as a dependable and collaborative partner who approaches every request with professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Outstanding Advising Program Award

Office of Student Services

College of Architecture, Design and Construction

Demonstrating a commitment to supporting students even before they begin their academic coursework, the College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s Student Services Department delivers a responsive, student-centered Camp War Eagle orientation experience for incoming first-year students and their families each summer.

Redesigned in 2020, the unit’s advising model provides a scalable and intentional approach that includes major-specific advising, dedicated registration support, clear communication around fees and academic pathways, and ongoing opportunities for engagement and feedback. Led by a team of 10 advisors, administrators, recruiters and support staff, the two-day orientation program has contributed to improved retention rates in recent years by connecting students early with the guidance and resources needed for success. This proactive advising approach establishes clear expectations for incoming and current students and reinforces the level of support they can expect throughout their academic experience at Auburn.

In recent years, the program has continued to evolve through adjustments that enhance the student and family experience, including increased staffing to allow for more individualized attention, refined budget planning, and improved coordination of space and scheduling during the summer term. Together, these efforts have strengthened the program’s effectiveness and positioned it as a key contributor to student retention and success within the college.