Published on March 29, 2016

Sharyn Freyermuth and Laura Carroz have been named the recipients of the 2015 Excellence in Advising Awards. Freyermuth, an associate teaching professor of biochemistry, received the faculty adviser award and Carroz, an academic adviser in the Trulaske College of Business, earned the professional adviser award.

In discussing what they appreciate most about advising, Freyermuth and Carroz share similar thoughts.

“I enjoy getting to know students–learning their stories and helping them find a path to success both at MU and beyond,” Freyermuth says. “I see a lot of students who are having difficulty and I am always very glad when I can help them in some way.”

Carroz also describes the connections that develop with students.

“I love getting to know my students and sharing in their college journeys,” Carroz says. “Advising isn’t just about registering for classes and checking graduation requirements. It’s such a joy to celebrate my students’ successes as well as help them see the lessons they can learn from their disappointments.”

In a nomination letter, one of Freyermuth’s advisees wrote that “having an adviser as bright and kind as Dr. Freyermuth has been a crucial part in making my Mizzou experience incredible.”

“Some students start at MU knowing exactly what they want to do and some have no idea,” Freyermuth says. “But almost all of them have questions along the way and need some guidance. I try to provide students whatever guidance they need when they need it. I’m happy when I can help a student find the right major, find an alternate career that they’d never before considered, or just have a semester plan that they are excited about. I’ve been successful when a student leaves my office feeling relieved and with a better outlook on the future than when they arrived.”

One of Carroz’s advisees said in a nomination letter that “my college career would not have been the same without her.” The nominator added, “Whether I just need someone to talk to, someone to help figure out my transition to the graduate program or guidance on life in general, Laura was there for me. Her relationship with students leads to effective advising.”

In nominating Carroz for this award, a professor in the Trulaske College of Business called Carroz “more than an adviser; she is their mentor” and stated that Carroz is respected by her peers not only for her knowledge, but also for her willingness to do what is in the best interest of students.

“I want my students to feel that they have someone on their side who is willing to listen to them and give them advice, but will also allow them to make their own decisions,” Carroz says. “College students have a lot on their plates and having someone they can trust to give them accurate information about courses, student resources, internships and job opportunities is vital to their success.

Other nominees for the Excellence in Advising Award for Faculty Advising were Nora Hager (Human Development and Family Studies), Scott Peck (Biochemistry) and James Tarr (Education).

Others nominated for the Excellence in Advising Award for Professional Advising were College of Arts & Science adviser Alex Anderson; Trulaske College of Business advisers Kerin Anderson, Shannon Breske, Adrienne Fink and Timothy Hill; College of Education advisers Kelly Benson, Betsy Knapp, Kristel Schlemper and Jackie Schneller; School of Health Professions adviser Adam Willard; College of Human Environment Sciences adviser Alex Embree; and School of Journalism advisers Urska Lenart, Janet Sievel and Shawn Wallace.

The Advisors Forum, with the support of the Provost Office, established the Excellence in Advising Awards in 1995 to promote and encourage recognition of outstanding advising service to the students of the University of Missouri.