The Fox School’s Charles Allen and Karen Sofranko of the Academic Resource Center each received a plaque, a monetary prize and professional development funding.
Their names will be inscribed on a memorial tablet in 1810 Liacouras Walk.
Charles Allen, associate director of the Fox School of Business Honors Program Professional Advisor Award
When Allen left Student Affairs to join the advising team at The Fox School of Business, he was certain that his career path would eventually take him elsewhere.
"I entered the advising field thinking that it would be a short-term stay . that was five years ago," said Allen, a 1998 graduate of Temple's School of Communications and Theater. His experience has allowed him to develop a style of advising that goes beyond telling students which classes to take. "I've learned how and when to challenge students to do more, and when to offer them a helping hand," Allen said.
"I've found that at times, all a student wants is for someone to listen to them and offer an opinion." His colleagues credit him with encouraging students to "congregate, chatter, mill around and truly be themselves." This camaraderie adds a richness to advising sessions that extends beyond the typical 'checklist' approach to working with students," said Kristen diNovi, 2006 Professional Advisor Award winner.
In addition to working with a specialized group of students, Allen is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association, presenting at both the regional and national levels.
Karen Sofranko, director of the Academic Resource Center
Academic Advising Administrator Award
Sofranko was an advisor in the Academic Resource Center for seven years before becoming the department's director two-and-a-half years ago.
As the director of the Academic Resource Center, she doesn't deal with students as much as she used to, but she always finds time to assist students in need.
She usually handles the difficult cases that require additional attention, and works to create a plan that keeps the student's best interest in mind. "I have an open-door policy to discuss academic issues with my advising team to ensure the students needs are served." Sofranko said. I enjoy seeing students succeed, and I hope my assistance will facilitate that process."
"Advising is more than imparting knowledge. It is making a life-altering impact on our students as well as encouraging their lifelong learning," Sofranko continued.
"It is encouraging students to critically analyze information, which helps them identify and challenge preconceived notions about academic information." |
