TIFTON – Dr. Mary Ellen Hicks, a professor in Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been selected as the 2024 W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Excellence in Advising Award Winner.
Hicks is the second repeat award winner in the award’s history and was also awarded the Donaldson Award for Teaching and Student Engagement.
“Mastering class scheduling and degree requirements has been the easiest part of serving as an academic advisor,” Hicks said. “What is more difficult are the questions and concerns over what careers to pursue that pertain to the student’s passion for livestock production and food production. As an advisor, I began to realize that the best advising I could do with and for the students revolved around the professional life I lead and the involvement I have with the animal industry I am passionate about. I want to make sure the student takes the correct courses every semester but what really matters is what the student will do with those courses and, more importantly, the knowledge they have obtained while at ABAC.”
Hicks started her collegiate journey at ABAC, graduating with an AS degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine before continuing at the University of Georgia for a BS and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
The criteria for the award includes strong interpersonal skills, a caring attitude toward advisees, mastery of institutional regulations and policies and procedures, the ability to engage in career and life planning versus simply course scheduling, and availability to advisees.
Other factors in considering this recognition include peer perception of nominee’s advising skills, and student advisee evaluations. The recognition includes a monetary award and commemorative plaque. It was first presented at the 2000 Honors Day ceremony.
Hicks dedicates her time and energy to a holistic approach of advising, academics, and industry exposure for students with her work as the ABAC Cattlemen’s chapter advisor, organizing industry tours to a variety of feedyard operations every spring, and encouraging student officers to attend convention and trade show events.
“She is not only a wonderful advisor, but also an amazing person,” said one of her nominating advisees. “She allows me to ask her any questions even if it is not related to academics. She is always very truthful and gives genuine advice on what steps to take to get to where you need or want to be.”
