FHSU academic advisors were recognized at the Kansas Academic Advising Network (KAAN) annual conference held at the University of Kansas in September.

Becky Newell, a professional advisor at the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, received the 2024 KAAN Supportive Advisor Award for her dedication to advising and advocacy for students and fellow advisors. Newell has been an advisor since 2017 and has also received the Werth College Advisor Award and the 2024 Edmund Shearer Advisor Award at FHSU.

At the conference, Ashley Wetzel, an advisor in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and Whitney Whitaker, Chair of Psychology, presented on the topic of centralized advising and faculty mentoring at FHSU. Wetzel was also elected treasurer for the KAAN Steering Committee for 2024-2026.

Nikki Brown, assistant director of the Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center, finished her term as KAAN Chair and will host the 2025 KAAN Conference at FHSU. Brown, along with Patricia Griffin, presented a workshop at the NACADA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh in October.

FHSU currently has 23 undergraduate and 4 graduate professional advisors. Since 2021, the university has transitioned to college-based advising for undergraduates. A recent review by NACADA praised FHSU’s advising program for its strong support of student success.