Distinguished Academic Advising Award

Distinguished Academic Advising Award
Kara Dyson, Senior Academic Advisor II, Molecular and Cellular Biology

This award is given by the College of Science to recognize one advisor who demonstrates outstanding, extensive, and continuous involvement in undergraduate advising. 

“Kara represents the best advising has to offer and is a model member of our community. She has amazing follow-through and is a key component in our ability to maintain a strong retention rate among freshmen (currently at 92%). Her impact in the lives of these students is far reaching as they move out into the world and the workforce. She began a First Year Essentials workshop for our incoming students that helps them navigate their lives on campus. She started a peer mentoring program, MCB ambassador program, revamped the MCB club and much more. Again, and again our students report what a difference she has made in their lives. She is so deserving of this award!” Joyce Schroeder, Ph.D. Professor, and former Department Head, Molecular and Cellular Biology

“Kara is remarkably loved by our students. Consistently, students rank their MCB advising experience as excellent and one of the most important aspects of their success. The support the students get from Kara is second to none. Kara was instrumental in designing the curriculum for our new Online Bachelor of Arts degree in MCB. In all aspects of her job, she goes above and beyond expectations to support students directly, create new programs, and help shape our curriculum. She is truly deserving of a Distinguished Advising Award.” Ryan Gutenkunst, Ph.D. Professor, and Interim Department Head, Molecular and Cellular Biology

“As an academic advisor in the College of Science, I consider myself lucky to work with such a smart, dedicated, and hard-working professional like Kara. She continues to enrich the life of me, our students, and the others in our department. Kara is a terrific model of compassionate, personalized, robust, and effective advising at the University of Arizona. If anyone is deserving of the distinguished advising award for their performance, it’s her.” Justin Schneider, M.Ed. Academic Advisor II, Molecular and Cellular Biology,