The program was chosen as one of four to be honored with this award in the nationwide competition this year. Other schools receiving the award included Indiana University Purdue University--Indianapolis, Ind., Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wis., and the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. ABAC was the only two-year institution to win the award this year, which will be presented during the annual NACADA National Conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in October.
The AIM Program was created to provide early academic assistance to students who begin to experience problems at college. The primary purpose of the program is to provide a mentor for the student. The mentor works with both the student and the student's academic advisor to identify problems and suggest where help is available on campus. The overall goal of the program is to help students create an environment for themselves in which they are directed to assistance and encouraged to persist in their academic careers.
"I was thrilled when I heard the AIM Program was selected for the NACADA award," Saxon said. "It is such an honor to have a program from ABAC recognized by this national organization."
According to Dr. Bettie Horne, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, NACADA is the premier professional organization devoted to improving quality advising in higher education.
"An award from this organization is a strong testimonial to the excellent work of Professor Beth Saxon, the program's creator, and the fine faculty and staff who mentor students," Horne said.
NACADA was chartered as a non-profit organization in 1979 to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to ensure the educational development of students.
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