COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University would like to congratulate Ann Pool on receiving the 2016 Department of Entomology Staff Meritorious Service Award.
Pool, an Academic Advisor II in the Department’s Advising office, received the award during a special reception in the fourth floor atrium on Wednesday, December 14.
Since joining the Department in 2013, Pool has been instrumental in the daily academic operations in the department, taking care of most of the undergraduate academic advising for the Entomology, Forensic and Investigative Sciences, and the certificate in Public Health Entomology.
Pool is also in charge of the various outreach programs that the department holds and has conducted information sessions every semester for parents, current and prospective students looking to either join the Department or change majors into either of the three programs the Department offers.
“Ann is incredibly knowledgeable and is always willing to help, regardless of the circumstance,” the nominator states. “Ann gives freely of her time to student, faculty and colleagues across the campus. She is highly respected among the advising community.”
Pool also works closely with Dr. Pete Teel on behalf of the Department to host the annual 4-H and FFA insect judging workshops and clinics and contests that are held in the spring. In the past three years, their efforts have increased participation by at least 25 percent. The clinics have also have helped several of the participants to become winners in both Top Ten team and Top Ten Individuals in the FFA contests.
“These events take place on the weekends, and Ann gives freely of her time, working tirelessly to ensure that these events run smoothly, that participants have a fabulous experience and leave with a positive impression of the department and the college,” the nominator said.
She is a member of both the National Academic Advising Association and the University Advisors and Counselors. In the summer of 2015, she has helped with assessing and redesigning the New Advisor Orientations that were offered by the UAC. Pool and her subcommittee also coordinated and facilitated new advisor orientations during the 2015-2016 academic year to help those new to the advising community altogether, as well as to Texas A&M, to become familiar with the University’s advising policies and procedures.
“I believe this speaks volumes not only of her dedication and service to the advising profession, but also to the students attending and those who will attend Texas A&M University,” the nominator said. “She has spent countless hours creating an orientation program for advisors who will interact with thousands upon thousands of students in an effort to ensure that accurate and consistent messaging is taking place across campus.”