Jennifer Nauen,
associate professor of biological sciences, has received a 2020-21 College of
Arts and Sciences (CAS) award for excellence in advisement.
She was among nine
faculty award recipients selected throughout the College in a variety of
categories. CAS Dean John A. Pelesko recently surprised each of the honorees
with an in-person or virtual visit during a class or event to announce and
present the award.
Following are more
details about Nauen and the tribute Pelesko offered.
Jennifer Nauen began
advising students at UD in 2009 and five years later was appointed a designated
adviser for biology education majors. In 2020, she was named undergraduate
program director, overseeing student advisement for juniors and seniors in the
Department of Biological Sciences.
She focuses not just
on helping students with class enrollment but also assists them in locating
social and extracurricular opportunities. She helps them find and connect with
the University’s resources and encourages students to put time and energy into
that aspect of their education.
Her advisement style
places an emphasis on students developing knowledge and skills they will need
in the post-graduation transition while directing them to identify new options.
She is dedicated to student advisement, which she sees as a needed service.
Nauen volunteered in
a pilot phase of the Blue Hen Success program and now serves as an integration
resource for the program to the department faculty.
A graduate of the
department wrote of Nauen: “Due to her assistance, I was able to improve my
grades and gain enough credits to graduate on time. I cannot thank her enough
for the assistance she was able to provide for me as an undergraduate. I do not
feel I would be in the same position without her guidance.”
Nauen said she was
honored to receive the recognition and thanked the department, the College, the
many other advisers with whom she works across UD and her students.
“I enjoy working
with undergraduates to help them meet their academic, personal and professional
goals,” she said. “And I look forward to continuing to contribute to advising
at the adviser and program levels.”
