February 24, 2023
In recognition of her dedication to the success of her students, the field of academic advising and her commitment to innovative programming, Melanie Chamberlain, academic adviser in the School of Education and Human Services has been named the OU Outstanding Academic Adviser of the Year.
“I am a true believer in the positive impact academic advising can have on a student's success throughout college,” Chamberlain said. “I am proud that this award continues to shine a light on this important work - not just by me, but by my incredible colleagues across campus - many of whom were also nominated by their students for this award.”
In order to qualify for the award, academic advisors must first be nominated by their students. They are then able to begin creating a packet (consisting of several scores of pages), which encompasses the entire work of their advising career and weaves a narrative of what makes them deserving of this award.
One student wrote, “From my first time meeting her before coming to Oakland University as a transfer student to my final meetings with her focusing on my last classes at Oakland, Mrs. Chamberlain has always been helpful and supportive. Melanie played a very impactful role in the successful completion of my HRD courses during my time at Oakland.”
As the 2022 award recipient, Adam McChesney, senior academic advisor in the School of Business Administration played a role in the selection process for the 2023 awards.
“Melanie has shown that she does not just complete the rote tasks of an academic adviser, but truly goes above and beyond in her service to her students, Oakland University, and the advising professional as a whole,” McChesney said. “The amount of work that goes into writing a narrative and providing documentation for accomplishments really shows how much Melanie cares about academic advising and her work at Oakland.”
As a result of winning the OU Outstanding Academic Adviser award, Melanie will now become OU's representative for the national award through the National Academic Advising Association.
“I am so grateful my path led me to a career that is as fulfilling and fun as academic advising,” Chamberlain said. “The relationships I've built and the experiences I've had have shaped my life for the better.”
For additional information on the awards, visit oakland.edu/advising/advisingaward.