Dr. Banta wins Nicholas Evans Award

Dr. Larry Banta was recently awarded the Faculty Advisor Nicholas Evans Award for Advising Excellence. This award is given annually to the top academic advisor in three categories within West Virginia University. Dr. Banta advises all of the honors students and probationary students in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.

"Larry is an advocate for students in so many ways," said Provost E. Jane Martin, "from encouraging honors students to strive for excellence to helping students on probation get back on track. He is a dedicated, compassionate and committed individual who cares about students and wants them to succeed - qualities Dr. Evans held dear."

Besides mastering institutional regulations, policies and procedures, Martin said candidates for the Evans awards must be caring, respectful, considerate and helpful to students; help them understand their academic responsibilities while empowering them to be self-sufficient; address students'future plans and provide appropriate information and direction; monitor and aid student progress and guide students toward graduation and academic success; be available beyond the regular advising appointments; and encourage students to take advantage of opportunities such as student organizations, internships, research and study abroad.

07/09/2009