Schmidt earns national Outstanding New Adviser award

Leisa Schmidt

New UW Tacoma Academic Adviser Leisa Schmidt has earned a national award for her work as an adviser at Washington State University last year. Schmidt, who joined UW Tacoma’s Academic Advising Center in July, received an Outstanding New Adviser Certificate of Merit award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) recently at their annual awards ceremony.

“I’m thrilled about earning the award,” Schmidt says. “I’m extremely passionate about student success. It’s crucial for me to work in partnership with my students and go above and beyond what they expect.”

Schmidt earned awards for her advising at the college and regional levels before going on to earn the national certificate award.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ginger MacDonald said Schmidt came highly recommended. “She’s jumped into networking around campus and helping us demonstrate the excellence of the Academic Advising Center.”

Schmidt, who advises premajor students, says she knew UW Tacoma was the place for her the first time she visited campus. “It is such a beautiful and intimate setting, and I feel like we have a truly robust urban campus within the hub of Tacoma. I want to make UW Tacoma proud of me and what I have to offer.”