Office of the Provost : 2007 Award Winners

Patricia Beckett, academic adviser in the Judith Herb College of Education. She has been advising education students since 2000. Beckett started at UT in 1995 as a part-time instructor of sociology/anthropology and then became program manager in University College’s Division of Contract Education, now known as the Division of Workplace Credit.

“When meeting with Pat, she is very helpful, encouraging and supportive,” wrote one nominator. “She is a very patient and calm person, which when working with confused college students makes her an excellent academic adviser.” Another wrote, “I met her my first time at the University on my campus visit, and she just seemed like a great lady who has the pride to help everyone she can succeed in their majors.”

“Academic advising is much more than just scheduling a student for classes,” Beckett said. “An adviser is a student’s confidant, cheerleader, trusted friend and, in many cases, their ‘adopted’ parent away from home. My philosophy is to always have an open-door policy. I feel it is an integral part of my job to be there for every student when they need me.”

Dr. Sakui Malakpa, professor of early childhood, physical and special education. He joined the UT faculty as an assistant professor in 1986, and was promoted to associate professor in 1990 and to professor in 1998. All the while, Malakpa has advised students.

“Dr. Malakpa is very prompt in addressing any issues I have regarding my program or applicable course work,” wrote one nominator. “His door is always open, including on weekends and during breaks at the University.” Another noted, “He is the most accessible adviser that I have ever encountered and responds to phone calls and e-mails in record time.”

“Advising poses a unique challenge as one employs circumspection to ensure that, on one hand, students do not register for courses they do not need, and on the other, courses included in their schedules not only meet graduation requirements but contribute to their post-graduation professional activities,” Malakpa said. “This compels me to meet with each student individually to ensure that I understand his/her interests, needs, concerns, schedules — including work and/or family schedules — and any other factors that might impact his/her studies.”