By Jeff Murphy,
September 27, 2021
A faculty mentor to many University of Central Missouri students, Matthew Garver,
Ph.D., has received the Missouri Academic Advising asscoiation (MACADA) Oustanding
Academic Advising Award for Faculty Academic Advising.
WARRENSBURG, MO – Demonstrating his commitment to helping students succeed in their
education at the University of Central Missouri, Matthew Garver, Ph.D., has received
the Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) Outstanding Academic Advising Award for Faculty Academic Advising. Garver was honored
Sept. 17 at MACADA’s 2021 virtual conference.
The MACADA Outstanding Academic Advisor Award for Faculty Academic Advising provides
recognition for individuals whose primary responsibility is teaching and who spend
a portion of their time providing academic advising services to students. Garver was
initially recognized as the university’s nominee for this award during the spring
2021. He is now eligible to be considered for national recognition. Jacqueline Carter,
a UCM academic success advisor working with students enrolled in programs in the Schools
of Technology, Aviation, Communication, History and Interdisciplinary Studies, was
nominated for the MACADA Academic Advising, Primary Role. Because she is a member
of the association‘s board she is ineligible for state recognition, but may be considered
for a national award.
“UCM has a history of strong showing for awards at the Missouri Academic Advising
Association for both advisors and faculty,” Garver said in describing what the award
means to him. “I think this is a testament to the intentionality that we have here
at UCM in offering students purposeful guidance toward academic success and career
preparedness. I am humbled to be recognized among my fellow UCM affiliates who have
been honored at the state level.”
A resident of Blue Springs, Missouri, Garver joined UCM in 2016 and currently serves
as interim chair and associate professor in the School of Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Psychological Science. He is a faculty mentor to students in the Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in
Kinesiology. He previously served as coordinator of both programs.
In the process leading up to his university nomination, one student wrote a letter
of support noting that Garver “routinely goes above and beyond for his students. He
is extremely flexible, accommodating, and personable, which always puts students at
ease.”
Letters of support recognized Garver as someone who is eager to assist students with
research, and has a willingness to help students succeed in gaining grant funds to
pursue projects that have led to presentations at national conferences. He also was
praised for his contributions to a smooth transition in advising structure by participating
in training sessions, and developing tools such as advising sheets in five different
areas of kinesiology to help students and advisors to better understand curriculum
updates.
“Helping a student take their vision and passion and turn it into an actualized plan
to move toward a desired outcome is a great start in the advising role. Watching a
student overcome trepidations, missteps, and challenges to make the plan a reality
is most fulfilling,” Garver said. “In essence, advising means you have a front row
seat in setting plans to empower the learner for their tomorrow.”
Throughout his career at UCM, Garver has been nominated for or earned a number of
additional honors. This includes being named the university’s recipient of the Missouri
Governor’s Excellence in Education Award in 2018; nominee for the Learning to a Greater
Degree Award in 2019; and nominee for the Faculty Mentor of the Year Award in 2020.
MACADA is an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in academic advising while
supporting professional competencies associated with students’ academic achievement,
retention, and persistence to graduation. It provides opportunities for professional
development, developing connections, and leadership for a diverse body of higher education
professionals throughout the state. It also promotes the overall awareness of academic
advising as a profession and supports the core values of its national organization,
NACADA.