We at the Residential College are thrilled to announce that our RC Social Theory and Practice faculty member, and RC Associate Director for Curriculum, Jennifer Myers, will be honored with the LSA Excellence in Departmental Advising Award. This award recognizes Jennifer's exceptional work with undergraduate students through academic advising, as well as her advising leadership in the RC. Numerous nominations were submitted that emphasized Jennifer's commitment to excellent advising, as well as her support of programs and colleagues in the Residential College. This award will be formally presented at a ceremony in Fall 2019 and comes with a modest stipend. 

When Jennifer found out about this award, she said: "I feel truly lucky to have found my way to the RC.  It has been a privilege to spend the majority of my career in this special place with colleagues who are inspiring and inspired in the work that they do.  Advising is a role that I treasure because it is gratifying to accompany students on their journeys of self-discovery and growth!  While I appreciate the recognition, this work is inherently rewarding to me." 

Jennifer completed her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at the University of Michigan. She currently serves (and has for 18 years) as one of the Associate Directors in the Residential College with a primary focus on curricular matters.  She also served as the Director of Academic Services for 14 years. Beyond these roles, Jennifer is an Academic Advisor in the RC and is also a lecturer in the Social Theory and Practice (STP) Program. Previously, her research and teaching focused on the impact of chronic illness on development and children’s knowledge about health and illness. She is interested more recently in developmental aspects of the relationship between mothers and daughters, particularly in the age of ‘24-7’ accessibility. She teaches a first year seminar on this topic called "Mothers and Daughters" as well as a course called "Theorizing Knowledge in the Social Sciences" which is the gateway seminar for the STP major. 

Congratulations, Jennifer! We can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor.