Office of the Provost

“She is so helpful when you need anything about your classes, college life, or if you just need someone to talk to between classes,” one nominator wrote. “She is very approachable and always has a smile on her face, and that really goes a long way.” Another wrote, “She is prompt with inquiries and is always encouraging students to apply for scholarships and research. It is really obvious that she truly cares for students and wants all of us to be successful.” And another wrote, “She treats every student in our department as if they are her only student.”

“I feel it is extremely important to form a solid advising relationship with my students that begins during recruitment and extends through graduation,” Filipek said. “This gives the students a sense of belonging and direction. It also conveys to them that I have a personal interest in their academic success and goals. By allowing myself to be easily accessed by the students and being continually student-centered, trust is developed and trust is the key component to any successful relationship.”

Dr. David Wilson, associate professor of political science. He joined the University faculty in 1970. He received one of UT’s Outstanding Teacher awards in 1986.

“During the orientation class, he made sure the whole class was not a waste of time but a 50-minute class worth going to,” one nominator wrote. “I found out about a lot of programs that the University offers and just the overall spirit of getting involved. This was very critical for me, too, because I hardly saw what friends I did have so the emphasis to get involved and meet new people on campus while having fun was a huge help.” Another noted, “You can really tell him what’s going on and it seems he has all the answers.”

“The satisfaction which I derive from advising is a reflection of my love of teaching. I view advising as an extension of teaching: both provide an opportunity to impart some knowledge and contribute to the personal and intellectual development of our students,” Wilson said. “An important quality for an adviser is the ability to relate to students. This takes time, effort, patience, and a sense of humor and perspective, but I think above all it requires that you simply like students.”