Welcome to the 2025 ACADAOS End of the Year Banquet! We are honored to highlight the incredible work that advisors and advising administrators are doing across all campuses. We will be using the ACADAOS website to highlight all those nominated for our four advising awards:
Friend of ACADAOS
Student Advocacy Center
- Student Advocacy is a champion for students and an amazing partner to academic advisors across the university. They are supportive and empowering for students navigating the complexities of university life. Their unwavering commitment to helping students overcome obstacles both inside and outside the classroom is truly commendable. By offering services such as assistance with academic appeals, emergency financial funds, and health and personal crisis support, the center ensures that students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Advocacy works tirelessly to resolve issues and provide guidance, fostering an environment where students feel heard and supported. Their proactive approach and personalized assistance make a significant difference in the lives of many, helping students navigate challenges and achieve their academic and personal goals. The Student Advocacy Center’s impact is profound, and their efforts to promote a positive university experience are truly praiseworthy. Their work exemplifies the spirit of community and support that is essential for student success and growth and has been utilized and relied upon by many academic advisors in the toughest of situations.
Outstanding New Advisor Award
Shea Davis
- Shea has served as an academic advisor at OSU for 2 years. She completed her Master of Arts in English at OSU and then taught English at the high school level for several years. She transitioned to higher education in 2023 when she joined the University Exploration team. In her role, Shea advises students as they adjust to OSU and explore their possible academic career options. She teaches sections of EXP 1100.01 and co-teaches EXP 2000 as part of her role. Due to her background in secondary education, Shea’s supervisor states that she “has been pivotal in helping with editing, updating, and brainstorming for EXP 1100.01”, including helping to develop assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the course. She also takes advantage of many professional development opportunities. Shea impressively tackles these extra efforts on top of her heavy advising caseload. Many students praise her acumen and compassion, stating that she is “exactly what I think a good advisor should be!”.
Robbie Lustig
- Robbie started his time as an advisor at OSU in July of 2022 in the Center for Life Sciences Education (CLSE) advising the Biology major and minor. He used his background in education and teaching immediately to improve the college survey class and created updated assignments for students to better understand their Degree Audits. He also got involved in both committees in the department and the college at large, including working with Committee for Undergraduate Advising (CUA) to create a new pre-professional tag proposal that went to OUR for a pre-Physician Assistant (PA) tag in SIS. His nominator in their letter wrote that he “genuinely cares for his students which makes him an invaluable asset for advising and Ohio State. I am proud to call him a colleague and friend.” One of his students wrote in their nomination “Without Robbie, I probably would have lost my scholarship and may not have been able to continue my education. He gave me valuable advice on how to proceed and has given me leadership opportunities that I would not have gotten otherwise.” Another student commented on his commitment to other tasks in the department saying “Apart from being an advisor, Robbie joined the DEIJ committee for the CLSE. This is not something he is required to do but rather something he wanted to do to help make changes in the CLSE and the university.”
Dr. Jordan Schoonover
- Dr. Jordan Schoonover joined the Fisher College of Business’ academic advising team in June 2023. In her brief time with the university, Jordan has made meaningful contributions to her department, while also serving as a supportive and inspirational advisor to her students. Her colleagues praised her efforts in advising the honors students, dedication to improving the Fisher Honors Program application, and efforts to help faculty better understand the program requirements and connect students with research opportunities. They also highlighted Jordan’s initiative to improve the functionality of the Fisher Advising Resource Manuel (FARM), which is a tool used both within the department and widely across the university to convey updates/changes, serve as an informational resource guide, and provide an onboarding tool for new advisors. Multiple students accredited their success and positive academic experiences with her limitless knowledge about the Fisher curriculum, adaptive instructional methods, patience, and unparalleled support of them during times of uncertainty. A student wrote, “The supportive relationships she fosters with her students highlight how deeply she values her role – not just in teaching course content, but in helping students feel comfortable and confident in their academic journey.” One of her colleagues also stated, “…Jordan is one of the best people I know… One way that I think about advisor impact is to ask myself the question, ‘What would happen if this person left our team?’ If Jordan left our team, we would not be able to replicate her many positive contributions and her absence would be felt by both students and staff.”
Rachael Speck
- Rachael has served as an academic advisor at OSU for 2.5 years. She completed her Master of Arts in English at the University of Cincinnati in May 2022 while also working as an editorial assistant, grant writer, and copywriter for The Cincinnati Review. Rachael began her academic advising journey in August 2022 when she joined the Department of English. In this role, Rachael advises 200 students as well as teaches ARTSSCI 1100.06. Rachael’s supervisor highlights her significant impact by stating, “During Rachael’s short time in the Department of English she has led projects to make our departmental communications more accessible, redeveloped our outreach program to at-risk students and helped to submit a grant proposal to secure funding for a humanities-majors career fair. These are three big projects that Rachael worked on that made enormous impacts on our department.” In addition, Rachael co-advises the Mosaic Magazine, the undergraduate literature and art magazine. One of Rachael’s student’s states, “As someone who is anxious about my future, without Rachael I would not have been able to manage that stress nearly as well. She is such a kind and welcoming advisor and helps make the English department more welcoming and fun.” All of Rachael’s nominators express her student-centered approach, commitment to the advising profession, and the profound impact she has made on students and the advising community in her short time at Ohio State.
Emma Traylor
- Emma started her academic advising journey at OSU in 2023 in the Arts and Sciences Honors office. She works with over 400 students on scheduling, degree planning, and professional development, and provides advising for pre-health students. In her first year of advising, she stepped up to help coordinate NYFS orientation sessions for her office. Her supervisor notes in her nomination letter that she could not have run orientation without her that summer, especially due to the increase in number of students. She is committed to helping her students and colleagues have the best opportunity they can. One of her advising colleagues noted in her letter of support that “After observing Emma’s presence in the classroom and advising appointments, and in team meetings it is shocking to know she does not have more than 3+ years in advising, secondary, or higher education in general. She’s given our team a fresh, educated perspective on how we can better advise our students and make our systems better fit the changing student population.” Her students truly enjoy having her as an advisor and one even mentioned in their nomination “Without Emma, my time at OSU would have been boring, without direction, and lackluster. I would have lost a guiding light of happiness, passion, and care.”
Mary Bailey Advising Award
Kendall Coffman
- Kendall has worked as an Academic Advisor at Ohio State since 2020 and is currently serving in the Fisher College of Business. His colleagues and students praise his substantial contributions to the department and university, noting he has served as a supervisor and mentor to over 20 undergraduate peer mentors, committed to redeveloping a critical business survey course for major change students, taught multiple sections of GENED 1201, and served as a steadfast emotional and academic support resource to students and colleagues alike. One of his students and undergraduate peer advisors wrote, “We all rely on him to direct us, be on top of relevant information, create an inspiring work culture, and save the day during academic crises. Whenever we have uncertainty or confusion with students’ advising issues, the first thing we think of is to go to Kendall. He is the glue that holds the Fisher Academic Advising Office together.” Another student stated, “Kendall fosters an inclusive, supportive environment, where every Peer’s input is valued. He always shows up with a positive attitude and a smile on his face.” These supportive and optimistic traits were echoed in Kendall’s colleagues’ recommendation, where they mentioned, “… students and colleagues benefit on a daily basis from Kendall’s calm, caring, and inquisitive nature. His guidance is trusted by everyone in our office.”
Jaimi Knisley
- Since joining the advising team in 2012, Jaimi has exemplified professionalism, caring, and respect, making a significant impact on both the college and the broader university community. Her leadership in refining the graduation application review process has streamlined workflows and improved communication with graduating seniors. Jaimi’s dedication to advising extends beyond her basic duties, as she consistently goes above and beyond to support her students, whether through detailed responses to coursework queries or providing additional resources. A student, Thomas Dowd, praises Jaimi’s unwavering support, stating, “Without Jaimi helping me, I truly believe I would have had to take an extra semester as a student.” Her colleague, Matt Waitkus, highlights her leadership, saying, “Jaimi has shown great leadership in training and consulting with advisors in this workgroup, resulting in a more efficient process.” Grace Cullison, another student, adds, “Jaimi’s direct and helpful approach, along with her unconditional support for her students, makes her deserving of this recognition.”
Margaret Nevrekar
- Margaret has served as an academic advisor at OSU for 6 years. She completed her Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs at OSU. She began as a Student Success Specialist here in 2016 before joining the University Exploration Advising team in 2019. She advises exploration students as they evaluate their academic pathway options. She teaches sections of EXP 1100.02 and co-teaches EXP 2000 as part of her role, as well. Her coworkers admire her grace under pressure: “Margaret never gets overwhelmed by the environment around her so she can always bring her best resources to a given situation.” One of Margaret’s advisee’s shared that her “positivity was the icing on the cake when it came to the information and advice she was able to give.” In addition to her advising duties, Margaret has taken advantage of many professional development opportunities, including serving a term on the University Staff Advisory Committee. Margaret’s commitment to her profession is clear to her students, coworkers, and supervisors; “her dedication to continuous growth not only strengthens her own practice but also elevates the quality of advising across the university.”
Trisha Ritter
- Since joining Ohio State University in 2022, Trisha has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to student success. Her ability to connect with students and navigate complex curriculum requirements has made her a trusted resource within the college. Trisha’s impact is evident through her roles as the college’s honors advisor, SASSO liaison, and Stellic ambassador, where she balances multiple responsibilities while maintaining high-quality advising support. A student, Emanuel Tewolde, shares, “Without Trisha as my academic advisor, I would have been extremely confused on my curriculum requirements and wouldn’t be able to graduate in time as I have been able to do so today.” Her colleague, Rebecca Andridge, praises her dedication, stating, “Trisha is dedicated to helping students not just succeed but thrive, and our college is lucky to have her.” Joshua Ghosh-Groen, another student, adds, “Trisha has transformed my Ohio State experience through her genuine dedication to student success and her warm, optimistic nature.” Trisha’s personalized approach and unwavering support have significantly contributed to the success and well-being of her students, making her an invaluable asset to the College of Public Health.
Lindsay Tolchin
- Lindsay has served as the Senior Academic Advisor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at OSU for the past 12 years. Lindsay’s supervisor highlights her exceptional commitment to student success, her impactful contributions to the department and college, and her dedication to the advising profession. Lindsay advises approximately 300 pre-BME students and teaches University Survey for nearly 230 students each Autumn. She also created and manages the BME Industry Mentorship Program, which has significantly increased student placements in internships, co-ops, and careers. In addition, Lindsay coordinates the admission-to-major process, advises BME minor students, and manages summer orientation for incoming students. Her influence extends beyond Biomedical Engineering, contributing to the advising profession and university-wide initiatives through her presentations at ASEE, NACADA, and the OSU Academic Advising Conference as well as serving on a multitude of committees. Lindsay is recognized for her caring and empathetic approach and building trust with students through active listening and clear communication which is beautifully highlighted by one of her advisee’s stating, “Without Tolchin, my time at Ohio State would’ve looked completely different—and honestly, I don’t think I would still be here. I would’ve struggled to make it through, especially during the tougher moments when I felt stuck or unsure about what to do next. She’s been my academic support system from the very beginning, and I haven’t had anyone else who understands my needs and goals the way she does. Whether I was facing failure, switching paths, or just trying to stay on track, she was always there to help me navigate it with patience and care. Without her guidance, I would’ve felt lost trying to manage college on my own, and I can’t imagine getting through all those challenges without her. She didn’t just help me stay in school—she helped me grow through it.”
Melinda McDonald Advising Administrator Award
Matt Waitkus
- Matt started his journey at OSU in 2014 in University Exploration as an advisor before moving to the Fisher College of Business advising in January of 2017. In April of 2022, he was promoted to Advising Manager in the Fisher College of Business. He also serves as a REACH trainer and co-facilitator, as well as a co-advisor for the Mirrors Sophomore Class Honorary. In addition to supervising advisors, he teaches multiple sections of Fisher’s fall seminar class and regularly attends transfer advising hours at Columbus State. He has also focused his efforts on retention, specifically with students in academic jeopardy. He has also worked to help the Fisher advising office to reimagine their training and onboarding for new advisors to closely align with the NACADA Core Competencies. His nominators wrote in their letter that “He approaches every interaction, even the difficult ones, with an authenticity and kindness that reassures even the most distressed student or family member. His student-centered approach ensures that the needs and goals of students are always a top priority.” One of the advisors he supervises noted that “Matt appreciates his team. Matt is kind, supportive, understanding and nonjudgmental. Everyone should be able to experience having a boss like Matt!”
Want to showcase another advisor doing excellent work? You can nominate them for one of these awards next year or submit a nomination for our Advisor of the Month here.
ACADAOS Elections & 2025-2026 Committees
To all current ACADAOS members – Don’t forget to vote in the elections for next year’s ACADAOS Executive Board!
The ballot will be open until 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, and can be found here: go.osu.edu/ACADAOSelection
Also, if you’d like to be part of an ACADAOS committee next year, you can volunteer here: go.osu.edu/ACADAOScommittees