Kate Golder, FYAC, Outstanding Profesional Adviser, 2020-21
Monday, March 15, 2021
The Oakland University Professional Advisers Council has named Kate Golder, senior academic adviser in the First Year Advising Center, as its 2020-21 Outstanding Adviser of the Year.
An OU alumna and university employee since 2014, Golder has also taught the Communications 101 course and served on numerous university and professional committees. For the PAC, she has served as chair, secretary and NACADA liaison, among other roles.
Golder was nominated for this year's honor by students and colleagues who praised her kindness and empathy, dedication, knowledge, diligence, motivational skills and support, leadership skills, professionalism and still other admirable qualities.
"Kate excels at providing the highest level of service to her students, taking holistic advising to a whole new level. She is focused on building strong relationships where students feel comfortable confiding their concerns, sharing their goals and working toward positive outcomes,” said Sara Webb, senior director of first year success.
OU alumna Celeste Black added, "Kate is passionate about her students and wants them to be exposed to all the amazing opportunities Oakland has to offer. Kate pushes her students to be successful in and out of the classroom."
Golder says she knew she wanted to become an academic adviser ever since her first experience with an academic adviser. It was then she learned how fulfilling it can be to provide guidance and support to students, as well as to help them become problem solvers, critical thinkers, self-advocates and good citizens.
"My passion in life is to help and serve others. I dedicate myself to my students and the profession of academic advising every day and am honored to be recognized for this esteemed award," she said. "Not only am I proud to be an academic adviser, but specifically an Oakland University academic adviser."
The OU PAC has recognized outstanding advisers each year since 2008. Honorees have also been recognized by other university departments and national colleagues for their dedication to academic advising and innovative programming aimed at student success. To learn more about the Outstanding Adviser of the Year award, including previous honorees, visit the advising web section.