NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

9/24/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Susan Barnett is a believer in going the extra mile. Barnett, an assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern State University, has been honored with the 2002 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award presented by the University College.

As part of the award, Barnett will receive a trip to the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) annual conference in Salt Lake City.

"Part of what makes Dr. Barnett such a great advisor is that she takes into
account the 'whole' student," said Coordinator of Academic Advising Christie Anderson. "She looks beyond the old belief that advising is simply registration, and helps her students make the connection between their educational and personal goals. Not only does Dr. Barnett show an incredible dedication to her students, but she also encourages them to take responsibility for their education. That is what is going to keep her students at NSU."

Barnett has been a member of Northwestern's faculty for seven years. She earned a doctorate at California Coast University and a master's and bachelor's degree at Winona State University. Barnett also did post graduate work at West Texas State, Virginia Commonwealth University, Oklahoma State University, Sonoma State University and NSU. She has also taught at Virginia Commonwealth, Guilford Technical Institute, Lenoir Rhyne College, Lenoir Community College and in the Virginia and Louisiana public school system. Barnett also has counseling experience in public school systems in Oklahoma and Texas.

As a faculty member at NSU, Barnett has been active professionally with several professional publications, presentations and reviews to her credit.

For Barnett the advising process begins with a 45-minute meeting with each student. At the initial meeting the student receives an "attaboy" or "attagirl" folder which will stay with them throughout college.

"The folder has a university catalog and a place for them to keep track of their awards and accomplishments," said Barnett. "From day one, it is important for them to have goals and a mission statement. They should have an objective of how long they want to stay here."

Barnett says she was surprised to receive such an honor.

"I was speechless," she said. "Whenever you receive recognition from your peers and they honor you for the job you do, it is overwhelming."

Even though she was singled out for the honor Barnett was quick to single out others who assisted her including people like Anderson, dean of the University College Dr. Sue Weaver and Mary Jane Day, the dean's secretary in the College of Liberal Arts.

"An advisor can not do it by themselves," said Barnett. "They need to have people around who can answer questions and be helpful. The people I mentioned are willing to offer assistance at any time."

One of the keys to successful advising is to maintain close contact with the students she advises as long as they are in school, Barnett said.

"Besides getting a degree, the most important thing a student can do is getting to know their advisor and developing a rapport," said Barnett. "The advisor can be the one to give accurate information to the student."

The ultimate payoff for Barnett is to be able to watch the students she has worked with for several years put on their caps and gowns and receive their college degree.

"That makes all the hours worthwhile," she said. "When I go to commencement and see my advisees walk down the aisle, I have tears in my eyes. It's just like family. And it's good to know that I can help the student."

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