BOONE, N.C.—Denise Goetz, an academic advisor in the University College Academic Advising and Orientation Center (AAOC) at Appalachian State University, has received the university’s Harvey R. Durham Freshman Advocate Award for 2017.

The Durham award recognizes a full-time employee who has contributed significantly to improving the freshman experience on campus. It includes $1,000, a plaque and a university medallion, which will be presented at convocation.

Goetz began working at Appalachian in 1990. She has helped Appalachian students find success in a variety of ways: Before becoming an academic advisor in 2005, she worked as an advisor in the Office of International Programs and she taught Freshman Seminar and World Civilizations. She serves on the DegreeWorks Power Users team, which implements the online degree audit and advising tool, and she serves on the Transfer Advisory Board.

At the AAOC, Goetz advises around 400 students, helping them “navigate both academic policies and life away from home in a manner which is both professional and caring,” her nominator wrote.

Goetz often helps other AAOC advisors who have questions about policy and course credit. She usually knows the answers already but in the few instances when she needs to check with another office on campus, she invariably shares what she learns with other advisors “so that all undeclared students will benefit from the most up-to-date information,” her nominator wrote.

Goetz “may not realize it, and she would certainly never take any credit for it, but advising across our campus gets better and better each semester due to Denise’s efforts,” the nominator wrote.

A student supporting Goetz’s nomination said: “Having an advisor who is so invested and caring when coming into such a new environment can mean the world. Ms. Goetz helped my freshman year to go smoothly and set me up to do well, as she continues to do for all her students.”

In a letter supporting Goetz’s nomination, a resident assistant wrote that Goetz “has been a wonderful resource.”

“On multiple occasions, she has given her time to be a part of four-year planning sessions for freshmen, been on a panel for a registration question-and-answer program and spoken about different online resources to students in the residence halls,” the person wrote.

In a statement made for the Durham award committee, Goetz said: “I do my best to make sure incoming freshmen get a good start at orientation. As I work with them for the first year, and sometimes beyond, I try to help them have a route that is mapped out and to feel comfortable with where they are going. I also want them to know what questions to ask and where to find resources.”

Goetz also said that she also really cares about the students she serves.

“They need space to explore but still need guidance when they get lost,” she added. “For me, this combination of traits and the phenomenal diversity of freshmen make them a joy to work with. They inspire me, frustrate me and tug at my heart every day I spend with them.”

Susan and Harvey Durham created the Durham award. Harvey Durham served as Appalachian’s chief academic officer for 24 years and its acting chancellor between May 2003 and July 2004.

Dr. Sheri N. Everts, Appalachian’s chancellor, announced that Goetz had won the 2017 Durham award at a breakfast ceremony April 11. She also recognized the other nominees for the award: Dr. Anita Kitchens, a professor in Appalachian’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, and Dr. Don Presnell, associate director of University College Academic Advising since 2008.

Kitchens’ nominator noted that virtually all of Kitchens’ scholarly activity “has revolved around promoting freshman success in mathematics.”

A student supporting Kitchens’ nomination noted that, “I had never been told that I could do better in math” and that “people had always just expected me to accept the fact that I was bad.”

“Dr. Kitchens demanded I do more because I was capable of more, and then gave me the tools to achieve that goal,” the student said.

As for Presnell, he has “worked with many, many freshmen to help them to find their path here at Appalachian, both in the classroom and outside of it,” his nominator said. “He’s always willing to lend an ear to colleagues, as well, to help them improve their services to students.”

Presnell also regularly teaches First Year Seminar; one of his students said that Presnell “values meaningful connections with his students” and that “helping them succeed is his top priority.”

Before announcing the 2017 Durham award nominees, Everts recognized Kelly McBride, the 2016 Durham award winner.

McBride, an associate professor and librarian at Appalachian’s Belk Library and Information Commons, began working at Appalachian as a reference and instruction librarian in 1997. She has led the library’s information literacy efforts since 2008.

McBride’s publications and presentations cover information literacy, effective assignment design, assessment and library outreach to diverse populations. She has received the 2004-05 Plemmons Leadership Medallion, the 2012 Humanitarian Award from the Black Faculty and Staff Association and the 2012 Miriam Dudley Instruction Librarian Award from the American Library Association.

“We believe that library research, information literacy, and critical thinking are key components of the first-year experience offered across our required First Year Seminar courses,” McBride’s nominator said. “It’s Professor McBride who ensures that we make good on that vision.”

One of McBride’s students said, “Every interaction with her is always positive and helpful. She is quick to offer a warm smile and is genuinely interested in the well-being of the students.”

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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