Three College of Sciences faculty members have been recognized by NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising’s 2026 awards program for contributions to academic advising and student success in higher education. 

“We are thrilled to see the contributions of these three outstanding academic advisors acknowledged by the national academic advising community,” says David Collard, interim dean of the College of Sciences and professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “This is just one of many indicators of their contributions to the success of our students.”

For Carrie Shepler, assistant dean for teaching and learning in the College of Sciences, the recognition reflects the honorees’ commitment to students and the value of academic advising.

“Our academic advisors support our students in countless ways: from helping students make informed academic and career decisions and connecting them to campus resources to simply offering a sympathetic ear,” says Shepler. “They do all these things with professionalism, empathy, and respect, making an immeasurable impact on our students.”

Founded in 1979, NACADA is an international association dedicated to promoting academic advising that enhances student development in higher education. This year’s award recipients include faculty recognized at both the national and regional levels.

Honorees from the College of Sciences:

Katharine McCann
Outstanding New Faculty Advisor Award
Academic professional in the School of Psychological and Brain Sciences and director of undergraduate research in neuroscience

Haley Steele
Advising Excellence Award – Faculty Advisor, Region 4 – Southeast 
Academic professional in the School of Biological Sciences

Hui Zhu
Advising Excellence Award – Advising Administrator, Certificate of Merit, Region 4 –  Southeast
Senior academic professional in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Georgia Tech honorees also include Ellen Riley of the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success, who received the Joyce C. Jackson Service to Region 4 – Southeast Award.