Melanie Lipton receives Distinguished Academic Advising Award

Each year, the College of Science recognizes outstanding faculty and advisors for their noteworthy representation and contribution to the teaching and advising mission of the University of Arizona. One of those awards, the Distinguished Academic Advising Award, recognizes one advisor who demonstrates outstanding, extensive, and continuous involvement in undergraduate advising.

We are thrilled to announce that Melanie Lipton - Assistant Director for Academic Advising in Psychology - has been selected to receive the Distinguished Academic Advising Award for 2024. 

 Here are some highlights from Melanie's nomination letters:

"Our department advising and curriculum truly could not function without Melanie – she is the linchpin that holds it all together!" -Heidi A. Hamann, Ph.D., Associate Head and Associate Professor, Psychology

"Melanie's impact on our 2500+ undergraduate students is profound. Her passion for student success is evident in every interaction she has. Whether advising students on academic paths, assisting with career planning, or providing emotional support during challenging times, Melanie's empathy and expertise shine through. Her genuine care for each student's well-being is truly inspiring." -Christy M. Ball, M.Ed, Associate Professor of Practice, Psychology

"Melanie exemplifies outstanding advising. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her students and has an insatiable desire to continue learning how to better serve them." -Madison Trewhella, Psychology Undergraduate Student

As for the awardee herself, Melanie says: "My passion and joy for this work stems from an intrinsic curiosity about people and desire to help. I want the people in my orbit, students and colleagues alike, to be successful." She started her advising career at Northern Arizona University and joined our team as an Academic Advisor in 2017. As Assistant Director for Academic Advising for the last five years, Melanie has (amongst many other things) overseen undergraduate advising for our 2500+ majors, supervised our team of Academic Advisors, planned programming for orientation sessions and other student engagement, and has been an instrumental member of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee in our department. 

Please join us in congratulating Melanie on this well-deserved award! Thank you, Melanie, for your continued dedication and support to our Psychology Undergraduate Students and Colleagues.

Awardees will be recognized at the College's annual reception in October.

>>> More about the College of Science Advising and Teaching Awards