Animal And Poultry Sciences Wins Second Exemplary Department Award From University

BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 16, 2002 -- For the second time in five years, Virginia Tech's Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences has earned the university's exemplary department award for superior advising. It last received the award in 1997.

Graduate and undergraduate students alike benefit from the personal attention they are given by the department's advisers. Department Head Mark McCann credited the dedication of faculty and staff members for the environment that makes the advising program so successful.

Much of the success of the advising program hinges from the satellite-advising model that is used in the department, according to the award nomination packet. Students quickly learn to utilize the Central Advising Office to meet an array of challenges in their college experience.

Not only were the faculty recognized for doing outstanding work, but the secretarial staff has garnered attention as well by providing faculty and students with superior support and guidance.

According to a letter of support from graduate students, "Faculty members go beyond their role of advisers to become mentors, colleagues, and most importantly friends." It's this sort of individual attention that elevates the department's advising program to the highest level of excellence.

Jennifer Smartschan, a department alumnus, said the dedication of the department's advising staff is instrumental to the success of students.

"I was surprised and thrilled to learn that each professor recognized me and was aware of my personal schedule and hopes for the future," she said. "And each of these individuals was willing to assist me in meeting those goals in any way that they were able. It is the support that these professors give to each student that helps us plan our undergraduate careers and attain our future goals."