SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 21 2022 — Drury University is proud to congratulate Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of the Robert and Mary Cox Compass Center, Dr. Jennifer Joslin, as the winner the 2022 Virginia N. Gordon Award for Excellence in the Field of Advising given by NACADA, a global advising association. The Virginia N. Gordon Award is a lifetime achievement award, celebrating significant contributions to the field of academic advising in three areas: research/publications/presentations, leadership in the advising field and commitment/advocacy to advising.
“Working in advising is very rewarding on its own,” Joslin said. “To receive this award from my peers is more than I ever expected. I’m grateful for the opportunities I have had to write and talk with advisors all over the world about college student success.”
Joslin began at Drury in 2019 with her appointment as the first-ever director of the Cox Compass Center, which helps students find direction by combining academic advising, career planning, and accessibility and learning support under one roof. She has more than 27 years of experience in the field of advising and her scholarship places a special emphasis on advisor training and development, working with LGBTQA students and advising administration.
In 1995, Joslin began her work with the University of Iowa and has worked at the University of Oregon and Kansas State University. Her professional service focuses on consulting and writing with NACADA, serving as its president and on the board of directors. She is an author of several books and essays in the field including the recently-published book, “Advising LGBTQ College Students.”
“Jennifer is a great asset to Drury and our students and her passion for advising is evident,” said Drury University President Dr. Tim Cloyd. “During her time here, she has overseen the expansion of our advising services, helping bring to life the Robert and Mary Cox Compass Center, serving as a trusted advisor and helping the university navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. I am overjoyed, but not surprised, by Jennifer’s recognition and I am excited to watch her continue to help make Drury a wonderful place for our students.”
Joslin also serves as an advising consultant, traveling the United States and globally, to help faculty and staff advisors improve their work. During the award selection process, her colleagues described her as passionate, committed, welcoming, caring and supportive.
“Being a mentor is not something Jennifer thinks about; it’s just who she is,” said Sally Garner, director of Student Services at the University of Oregon and Joslin’s former co-worker. “You can’t look at her CV and think, ‘Advising is just something that pays the bills.’ She is the very definition of someone who is committed to the growth and development of this profession and the people who do it.”
Joslin will be honored during an awards ceremony at NACADA’s Annual Conference this fall.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Bailey, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JBailey012@drury.edu.