Don Riley, Coordinator of Student Progress and Retention in CEHD, received a 2022 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. The Tate Awards recognize high-quality academic advising and call attention to the contribution that academic advising makes to help students achieve their goals.

In the nomination summary, students and colleagues described Don as exemplifying the very best of what it means to be a compassionate and student-centered academic advisor. They described his thoughtful and collaborative approach to building relationships through authentic interactions with students and colleagues. Colleagues noted his leadership in improving policies and practices that impact students’ experiences and progress, sharing examples of initiatives he’s led to make information and policies accessible to students and colleagues. These include leading study abroad scholarship writing workshops, documenting advising processes to ensure consistent information is being sent to students, proactively reaching out to students who have been suspended, and supporting returning students. Students and colleagues also note his commitment to building awareness and taking action around issues of social and racial justice that impact students.