2005 Outstanding Adviser Award Winners
| Cora Allen |
 Cora Allen, counselor in the Student Development Program in University College. She
has been advising UT students since
1972. She has served on several University committees over the years and was honored
with one of the Outstanding Women Awards in
1996. Allen is an alumna of UT, receiving an associate degree in social services technology
in 1972."I have known Mrs. Allen for over 30 years, and she is one truly remarkable woman. Her knowledge of University policies and procedures is phenomenal," wrote one nominator. "Students love her. She is willing to help anyone who needs it. I have seen her give students money, food, clothing, transportation to class and even home if necessary." Another wrote, "Mrs. Allen is dedicated to helping students in every way, shape and form. She loves her job and does everything she can to make students succeed." "I strongly believe in advising the whole student, both academically and on a personal level," Allen said. "I believe that an adviser should be honest, trustworthy, nonjudgmental, knowledgeable and open-minded. I love my job and I love making a difference in my students' lives by showing them that someone cares about them." |
| Dr. Alice Skeens |
 Dr.
Alice Skeens, associate professor of psychology. She started teaching at UT as an
instructor in 1963 in the former Community and
Technical College and four years later moved to the College of Arts and Sciences,
where she was an assistant professor and
undergraduate adviser. In 1982, she was promoted to associate professor. Skeens served
as assistant to the president from 1987 to
1997, and then returned to full-time teaching."Dr. Skeens is always willing to put the student first," wrote one nominator. "She helped me a great deal throughout my four years at UT. She is an extremely busy individual; she is on several committees, but she always took time to answer my questions." "I believe that advising is much more than scheduling and making sure students stay on track for graduation," Skeens said. "I believe it involves caring for students, taking time to listen to their problems, suggesting possible solutions, calling the appropriate person for them and arranging an appointment if you refer them, discussing career goals and alternatives, and recommending them for graduate school or employment. My greatest rewards are thank-you notes from students, seeing my students succeed in their chosen careers, and seeing them happy." |