Three Arizona State University advisors were recently selected as “Best of Region” by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). The advisors, Anne Suzuki, Michael Johnson and Elaine Rostad, were awarded for their exceptional advising and retention strategies.

Suzuki, Johnson and Rostad, from the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at ASU’s West campus, were honored at NACADA’s Rocky Mountain Region 10 conference held in Albuquerque, N.M. The Rocky Mountain Region includes Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The theme for the conference was “Journey into the Future: Engaging the NextGeneration of Scholars.”

NACADA offers the annual National Awards Programs to honor individuals and institutions who make significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. Conference participants present their advising and retention strategies to academic advisors representing universities across the nation.

Suzuki, Johnson and Rostad presented “The Total Package: Freshman Advising and Retention for a New Generation.” Among other things, they detailed how university freshmen need the support of both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to succeed. Also, they described the importance of collaborative efforts across campus, and strategies of communication and the technology used to reach students and parents in a creative and effective method.

As conference winners, Suzuki, Johnson and Rostad received a $500 scholarship. In addition, they have been invited to give their presentation at NACADA's October national conference in Indianapolis, Ind.

NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students. NACADA provides a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications.