Riverside, CA, May 23, 2001--Cheryl Bauman, coordinator of student services, La Sierra University School of Business and Management, has been selected as an Outstanding Advisor Award winner in the "Advising Primary Role" category as part of the 2001 National Academic Advising Association's National Awards Program.

The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students. The "Advising Primary Role" category includes those individuals whose primary role at the institution is the direct delivery of advising services to students. Bauman is one of eight honored with this award in 2001 in this nation-wide competition.

Each year, since 1983, the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), in cooperation with ACT, Inc., has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students.

"It is indeed a great pleasure and honor for me to recognize Cheryl R. Bauman, for the NACADA Outstanding Advisor Award," says Iris Landa, director for academic advising at La Sierra University. She continues: "It is difficult to imagine that someone could be more caring or nurturing than Cheryl. She does extensive, intrusive follow up with students in all categories - from marginal to brilliant. She is in perpetual caring motion. She has a talent for thinking up new and unique ways of letting students know that they are important. In the School of Business and Management, she is a radiant beacon of light. In addition to the approximately 140 students that she advises, she also takes time to assist students who are assigned to faculty advisors in the school."

According to Landa, no other college or university in America has won as many advising awards as La Sierra University.

La Sierra University's School of Business and Management is the fastest growing segment of the University. Part of that credit goes to Cheryl Bauman, who constantly and consistently puts herself out for her students," says Lawrence T. Geraty, University President.

Her colleagues think of her as one of the great advisors. "During her time here, whatever hat she has worn, she has demonstrated a compassionate, nurturing, and enthusiastic commitment to students that has made her an irreplaceable asset. Her performance as an advisor is outstanding," says John Thomas, dean of the School of Business and Management at LSU.

"I always feel safe connecting Cheryl with all kinds of students; new, returning and even those with very difficult situations. She takes the time to deal with their true issues and needs. Patience, caring and advisory knowledge are her trademark," says Gene Edelbach, vice president for Enrollment.

Students feel the same way about Bauman. Jenner Jose, from the class of 1998, says it with deep feeling: "I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for me throughout my college experience. I can honestly say, she was the difference. The work she does is far more valuable to the students than they can appreciate."

Bauman has made herself knowledgeable about the intricacies of the advising program. Whenever she has concerns or questions, she always follows up to find the correct answers and she never fails to attend the advising workshops. She really believes that a strong advising program is critical for the students of this campus. Her mastery of institutional regulations, policies and procedures, and her total commitment to helping students not only in their academic program, but in growing personally and professionally to reach higher career goals, is truly outstanding. Students report that she carefully monitors their academic program and progress, so they graduate on time and more importantly, she assists them in making career choices and giving advice and assistance for the graduate programs.

In 2000, Bauman received the outstanding advisor award from the School of Business and Management, in recognition of her enormous contribution to the school.

The over 6,000 NACADA members consist of faculty, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, vocational, and personal needs of students. In addition, NACADA represents academic advisors and serves as an advocate for academic advising.

Bauman will be honored and presented with this award in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada during the annual NACADA National Conference in October.
###