University News
Keithley: Outstanding Adviser
October 19, 2011
MACOMB, IL – Ember Keithley, an academic adviser for the College of Business and Technology at Western Illinois University, has received the Outstanding Academic Adviser Award for 2011.
Keithley received a $250 award from the Office of the Provost, as well as $250 in line-item expenditures and a plaque from Western's Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research (CITR). Selection for the annual award is made by the CITR director, the previous year's recipient, and representatives from the Faculty Senate, the Council of Academic Advisers and the Student Government Association. Her application packet will be submitted as Western's entry to the National Academic Advisers Association (NACADA) competition. Keithley, who has been an academic adviser at WIU since July 2000, has served as the School of Agriculture adviser to more than 330 students since June 2009.
According to the award committee, "Ember's dedication to those students is like that of a parent to their child. She continues to help her students achieve their goals every day. She is fully invested in her students' success and overall growth."
Nominator Chris Ramsey, director of the CBT Advising Center, noted that "Ember's insight as an adviser, instructor and former business person in the banking industry is invaluable in her work with advising agriculture students. Student evaluations demonstrate that Ember listens, provides resources and options, encourages and assists students to gain the confidence they need."
In one nomination letter, a student wrote, "She will do anything for her 300 kids."
Beyond her adviser duties, Keithley has taught AGRI-320, "Success Strategies in Ag" and AGRI-420, "Ag Leadership and Personal Development." She serves as the adviser for the Ag Vocators and is co-adviser for Sigma Alpha sorority.
Another student nominator wrote, "Ms. Keithley was called upon this spring to advise Sigma Alpha because they were in need of extra guidance. She took on this challenge with enthusiasm and passion. She has dedicated every Monday night and countless hours to this organization."
"She is caring, proactive and shows excellent dedication in everything she does. Ember works diligently to build strong relationships with her students, the faculty and staff. She goes above and beyond what is asked of her, including serving on search committees, mentoring a graduate student, serving on a scholarship committee and as an ag panel representative for WIU and completing a book review," Ramsey added.
Keithley received her bachelor's degree in finance from WIU in 1994 and her MBA in 2001.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: