Academic advisors at the University of Missouri take pride in meeting one-on-one with students to ensure they're supported on their paths to success.

The University of Missouri recently recognized three of those advisors for their dedicated commitment to student success at Mizzou. Their efforts have played a part in Mizzou’s recent all-time record graduation and retention rates as well as a recent career outcomes survey showing that more than 95% of recent Mizzou graduates found employment, continued their education, joined the military or started volunteer service within six months of spring graduation.  

The recipients included College of Arts and Science advisor Kibby Smith. 

Since 2011, Smith has advised undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Science, and she said she can’t imagine doing anything else with her life.

“When students check in with me regularly, whether it is to share their successes or things they are struggling with, it’s very rewarding to be a resource that can help them out,” Smith said. “When I see them walk across the stage at graduation, I imagine all the great things they are going to do in their lives. It is nice to know I might have played a very small part in that.”

While many think of academic advisors for their role helping students enroll in classes, Smith knows advisors do so much more.

“We help students plan for what majors, minors or certificates they may want to pursue, we connect students with tutoring resources, and we help raise awareness about applying for scholarships or study abroad programs,” Smith said. “We are also here to celebrate their accomplishments, whether it be a club or student organization they are involved in, and we help them access resources on campus like the Writing Center or Learning Center.”

Smith said that prospective students considering coming to Mizzou would find a supportive and welcoming environment on campus.

“Mizzou is a place where anyone can find their community because there are so many ways to get involved,” Smith said.