News & Photos
STHM Advisor Jennifer Thiel Wins 2008 Outstanding Professional Advisor Award
CONTACT: Lisa Z. Meritz <lzmeritz@temple.edu> 215-204-6427
"A wise person once told me ‘life is all about relationships'", said Jennifer Thiel STHM assistant director of student services. Embracing this philosophy, Thiel found her calling as a student advisor where her talent for building relationships earned her the Outstanding Professional Advisor Award at the 2008 Advisor Appreciation Day Luncheon held on May 7.
Nominated for the award by students, Thiel was recognized for her excellent interpersonal skills, nurturing attitude, mastery of institutional policies and positive impact on the overall quality of the School's advising.
"For me advising is not just a career, it's a calling," said Thiel. "I think in the back of my mind I always knew I wanted to become an advisor, even when I was young. When I started advising it felt as though I had found my place in the world, and I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life."
Thiel understands that being a good advisor is more than just helping students register, it is getting to know students personally. "It is important to know each student's name and story, and truly understand what makes them tick," said Thiel. "My favorite thing about this job is connecting with students and helping them grow and evolve throughout their four years at Temple."
Thiel's responsibilities with STHM extend beyond traditional advising sessions. She teaches Career Seminar, supervises junior internship students and occasionally assists in teaching the Senior Seminar class. She is also the advisor for the STHM Student Association and represents STHM on many organizations and committees, such as, the New Student Orientation Committee, the DARS Steering Committee, the Academic Advisers Group (AAG), and the Academic Directors Committee (ADC).
More than helping students grow, Thiel's position as an STHM advisor has fostered her own growth as well. She credits Associate Dean Betsy Barber and Assistant Dean Jeffrey Montague for much of her success. " Dean Barber and Dean Montague have been instrumental in helping me connect with people in different positions and capacities throughout the university," said Thiel. "Being exposed to all of these different aspects of industry and academia has really helped me to gain new knowledge and grow as a person and advisor."
The award, an affirmation of her success, includes a trophy, $1,000 towards the recipient, and $1,000 towards professional development. Thiel plans to attend NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference, an organization that helps deal with international students, programs, recruitment, and advising. "I chose this conference because being able to accommodate and understand international issues as they relate to academia is so important," said Thiel. "I really hope the conference helps broaden my perspective, and introduce me to new international programs that I can share with my students."
Thiel sees this award as not only recognition of her hard work, but a benchmark. "I am sincerely excited to come to work everyday because I know that every new day brings new challenges," said Thiel. "Each day forward that helps me to become a better advisor will bring me one step closer to fulfilling my life goal."
- Written for the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management by Margaret Mastrogiacomo