IU School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) is delighted to share that Academic Advisor Nicole "Niki" Blackwell was selected for the National Conference on Academic Advising (NACADA) 2024 Region 5 Primary Role Advisor Excellence in Advising Award. One NACADA member from each of the organization's ten regions, nominated by a fellow member, is selected annually for this honor.
"I was shocked and elated to win, not only for myself, but for our school," says Blackwell. "It means so much to me that others see my hard work every day to put students first and make sure they have what they need to be successful."
Blackwell joined SPH-B in March 2023, previously serving for three years as an academic advisor in IU University Division. She is the president of the Indiana Academic Advising Network and a member of the Bloomington Academic Advising Council Professional Development Committee.
"This award recognizes the great work I have been doing the past four years at IU Bloomington and it is such an encouragement to keep going," shares Blackwell. "I love being in SPH-B and working with our students—it is such a joy!"
NACADA is an international association dedicated to student success by promoting and supporting quality academic advising in higher education institutions. Blackwell says NACADA has been key to her professional development, providing valuable opportunities such as presenting at their regional and national conferences, and encouragement to seek and take on leadership roles. She adds that she loves the passion she sees in SPH-B students and admires their dedication to reaching their individual goals.
"NACADA has also instilled in me an eagerness to learn and seek out answers on how we can better help our students," says Blackwell. "I love the field of academic advising and want others to see the matchless value of academic advisors for our students."
For more stories about SPH-B students, faculty and staff making a big difference both locally and worldwide, visit go.iu.edu/48bx.