Kansas State University Academic Advising Graduate Programs

Kansas State University Global Campus brought home four regional awards from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association. The awards were presented at the association’s regional conference Oct. 19-21 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Jackie Wilson-Schau, Englewood, Colorado, found her passion through K-State’s distance education program, finishing her undergraduate work in interdisciplinary social science with a 4.0 GPA. She is now continuing her education by pursuing an advanced degree in academic advising, inspired by her mentor through the university. Her goal is to provide excellent advising and personal support to students, like herself, who find themselves facing challenges they never imaged as young, incoming freshmen in college.

“I discovered K-State’s distance education program was truly an ideal fit for my life at the time. I completed my last 36 hours of coursework with K-State, finishing my final year of undergraduate work with a 4.0 grade-point average, and a feeling of self-worth and pride that I had not felt in a long time. My self-confidence improved through my completion of this degree, and I felt like I was taking a final step towards moving back into a state of normalcy in my life,” said Jackie Wilson-Schau

“My decision to pursue an advanced degree in academic advising has stemmed, in large part, from my reflections on my last year of coursework at K-State. I would not have had the ambition, the drive, or an understanding of the procedures needed to complete my final year of school had it not been for a fantastic mentor who showed me a way to change directions based on my interested and still finish my degree in a manageable time. I would like to help other students as this advisor helped me; giving them the foundation and route to complete their desired level of education and coursework, and to let them know that it’s okay to shift focus and try new vocational ventures,” continued Wilson-Schau.

The other awards include, Rick Scheidt, professor of family studies and human services, Excellence in Teaching Award, Grain Elevator and Processing Society, Innovative Noncredit Program Award, and Council for Public School Improvement, Mature Noncredit Program Award.

“These awards exemplify the hard work and dedication that Kansas State University faculty, staff and students put into their programs,” said Sue Maes, dean of K-State Global Campus. “We are proud and honored to have been acknowledged.”