TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Academic Advisors Association recognized two Advertising and Public Relations faculty members for their dedication to students.
Professors Teri Henley and Mike Little are among 33 UA faculty members nominated for the 2013 Academic Advisor Excellence Award.
“Advising students is one of the most important parts of what I do,” Little said. “I work as much for parents as I do for students, because in addition to helping students get their dream jobs, I want to be a good steward of their money.”
The award is given to a UA faculty advisor who has made a significant impact in the field of academic advising. Nominees were selected based on submissions from UA students, faculty and staff.
“Helping students succeed is the best part of what I do, and that’s why I do what I do,” Henley said.
Henley has worked in the APR department since 2007 teaching advertising copywriting, PR writing, and advertising and PR campaigns.
“I love teaching,” Henley said, “But where I really get my charge is working with students one on one to help them achieve their goals.”
She is an advisor for the American Advertising Federation/National Student Advertising Competition team, the Capstone Student Agency and the PRSSA Bateman team.
“Mrs. Henley is not only a wonderful advisor, but she has been a mentor with PR passion to help each student succeed,” senior PR major Molly Molloy Gambel said. “Her experience in the professional world aids students in the classroom to engage into their own PR passion.”
Little has taught almost every class in the major. He joined the department in 2000 full-time after receiving his B.A. in graphic design and Masters in Advertising and Public Relations from the university.
He said his biggest priority is making students marketable for jobs or prepared for graduate school.
“Mr. Little is more than an adviser – he’s an inspiration,” sophomore PR major Jacquie McMahon said. “He challenges his students to be the best we can be and helps us get there when we need it.”
Many of their former students are now employed by advertising and PR agencies locally and nationally.
“I’m proud to be a part of a great program where the graduates are shaping the industry,” Little said.