President’s Excellence in Academic Advising Awards go to CASNR standouts
By: Norman Martin
Two talented individuals from Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources were tapped to receive 2020 President's Excellence in Academic Advising Awards today (Dec. 16), according to officials with the Student Success and Retention Initiative program.
Courtney Meyers, a professor and graduate studies coordinator with Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, and Moriah Beyers, a competition field advisor and co-advisor for student organizations within Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, were presented the honor in a virtual video ceremony. Both received a recognition plaque and cash award.
Meyers said her advising philosophy is simple but encompassing: Respect individual students' plans and struggles, while providing advice that will help them reach their goals and succeed in school and life.
"Through every discussion with Dr. Meyers, I always leave our conversations feeling motivated and prepared to tackle the next goal," said Jaelyn Peckman, an instructor of agricultural communications at the University of Missouri who completed her master's degree via distance with Meyers as her adviser. "I hope to exhibit the same service mindset for my students and advisees that she has invested in not only myself, but all of her students. Dr. Meyers is my academic role-model."
This year Meyers received a Fulbright Scholar Award funded by the Australia-based
Regional Universities Network (RUN) and the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, in addition to being named a 2020
American Association for Agricultural Education Fellow. Other honors include a Texas
Tech's Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award (2018); Texas Tech Integrated Scholar (2018); and Texas Tech President's Excellence in Teaching Award (2014).
Meyers, who joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2008, received her bachelor's degree in agricultural communication and journalism from Kansas State University. Her master's degree in agricultural and extension education is from the University of Arkansas, and her doctorate in agricultural education and communication is from the University of Florida.
Separately, Beyers represents Texas Tech and her department while recruiting the next class of Red Raiders. "Moriah is integral to student success and the success of the department," said Sam Jackson, a long-time professor within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
"She has clearly excelled in promoting Texas Tech and giving valuable advice to our students in the area of academic scheduling, as well as career placement," he said. "She's a dedicated advisor, a tireless promoter of Texas Tech University, and continues to work diligently to encourage top students to choose animal science as a major."
Beyers noted that her passion is to bring the best students to Texas Tech, while providing
them with a positive educational experience and equipping each to be successful in
whatever career they pursue following graduation. She said her most rewarding experience
as an advisor is watching the success of current and former students.
Beyers, who joined the Department of Animal and Food Sciences staff in 2008, was voted CASNR's Outstanding Staff Member by the college's Ag Council in the Fall of 2008 and Spring of 2013. The Fredonia, Texas, native received her bachelor's in animal science from Texas A&M University and her master's degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech.
CONTACT: William Brown, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or william.f.brown@ttu.edu
1217NM20 / Editor's Note: For more information on the 2020 President's Excellence in Academic Advising Awards, please click here
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