LSU Selects Jessica Aslin as 2017 Advisor of the Year

03/30/2017
BATON ROUGE – LSU University College presented its annual “Celebration of Excellence” Spring Awards program on Thursday, March 23, at The Club on Union Square, and Jessica Aslin was selected as the LSU Advisor of the Year.

LSU Advisor of the Year Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students. Aslin was selected by a committee of LSU students, faculty and staff and community leaders from a competitive pool of LSU academic counselors from across campus.

“Advising is more than just a job or career to me, it is my passion,” said Jessica Aslin, academic counselor for LSU University College, Center for Advising and Counseling.

During the “Celebration of Excellence,” University College awarded $80,000 through 65 undergraduate student scholarships, five LSU faculty teaching awards, two graduate teaching assistant awards and the LSU Advisor of the Year Award.

Andrea Jones, Ed.S., LPC-S, assistant director for LSU University College, Center for Advising and Counseling, nominated Aslin, noting her as “innovative, knowledgeable, and an amazing advisor … Jessica has approximately 2,000 student contacts each year. One of the things that is so special about Jessica is she gives her undivided attention to each of the many students who walk through her door.”

“Jessica is vital to the continued success of UCAC, LSU and the counseling profession,” added Jennifer H. Braud, counselor for LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences. “She genuinely cares about her students and colleagues and is one of the reasons students enter their senior college well prepared.”

“When I started my undergraduate career, I, like many students I work with, was uncertain of my future career choice,” said Aslin. “It was through the help of several great academic advisors that I was able to arrive at a career decision of my own. Because of my own experiences, I always try to put myself in students’ shoes with whom I advise. I always strive to meet students where they are and to be a resource to point them in the direction they want to go. I may never know if, or what impact I have had on their college or career decisions, but I consider myself blessed to be able to be a part of helping to guide them in the right direction.”

Aslin’s interactions with students can best be described with the following comments from students:

• “Mrs. Jessica Aslin is by far the best advisor that I have met with at LSU. She has been quick to respond and always willing to help and offer suggestions. She is helping me stay on track and continuing to encourage me to better myself. Without her, there would be a lot of unanswered questions on my end. No matter the situation in individual classes, once I email her she comes up with a solution. GREAT advisor.”
• “Jessica is so helpful and passionate about her work. She always promptly responds to my emails and remembers details about my particular case, even though I know she sees thousands of other students.”
• “Jessica helped me get what I needed VERY quickly and with a smile! She took the stress out of meeting with an advisor.”
• “Mrs. Aslin is possibly one of the most kind and understanding counselor I’ve had on campus. LOVE Mrs. Aslin!”
• “You’re awesome! Keep doing what you’re doing Jessica!”

Aslin is a national certified counselor and licensed professional counselor with a Master of Education, concentration in guidance counseling from LSU and a Bachelor of General Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University. She also received her Education Specialist Certificate from LSU. She has worked as a school counselor at Mentorship Academy in Baton Rouge, La., before joining LSU University College in 2013.

Aslin is published in various journals, as well as has widely presented on the national, regional and state levels for numerous counseling associations. She has received many honors including the Louisiana Counseling Association Presidential Award, first place for the American Counseling Association’s Ross Trust Graduate Student Essay for Future School Counselors competition, the Lillian Oleson Scholarship and the Louisiana Counseling Association Graduate Student Volunteer Scholarship. She is a member of the National Academic Advising Association and Louisiana Counseling Association, as well as past membership in the American Counseling Association, American School Counselor Association, Louisiana School Counselor Association and Chi Sigma Iota.

The LSU University College Teaching Award Selection Committee included Marybeth Lima, chair; Marvin Borgmeyer; Sarah Clayton; Jamie Granier; Gregory D. Inman; Beverly Brooks Thompson; and Anna C. Sightler.

Since 1933, LSU University College has served as the portal of entry for students enrolled at LSU.  Academic and personal success is the hallmark of a well-rounded student, and University College provides a foundation of support services for students beginning their academic careers at LSU. University College has two enrollment divisions: The Center for Freshman Year and The Center for Advising and Counseling. Additionally, University College offers retention-specific programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars and Summer Scholars. These academic support programs focus on particular student populations and are a significant part of the role and mission of University College.

For more information on LSU University College, visit www.uc.lsu.edu or follow the conversation at www.facebook.com/LSU.UniversityCollege.

 

 

Contact Jacquelyn Craddock
LSU University College 
225-578-6822
jcraddock@lsu.edu 

or

Ernie Ballard
LSU Media Relations
225-578-5685
eballa1@lsu.edu