Melissa Nelson and Jennifer Palcich, professional academic advisors with the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), were recently selected as recipients of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Nelson, the faculty advisor to undergraduate majors in the Department of Anthropology and lecturer, was tabbed the Region 7 Excellence in Advising - Faculty Advisor award winner.

"It's an honor to be recognized by a community of fellow advisors," said Nelson. "To receive this award alongside my friend and colleague Jennifer Palcich is a testament to our amazing advising team in CLASS.

In 2001, Nelson received a B.S. from Emory University in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, an interdisciplinary degree that combined anthropology, biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Three years later, she earned an M.A. with Distinction in Anthropology at the University of Manchester (UK), and a second M.A. was awarded from the University of Virginia (2008) where she also garnered recognition for her teaching from the Seven Society. Nelson has earned the 2021 Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence and the 2022 UCAN Award for Outstanding Faculty Advisor at UNT. Since 2014 she has taught undergraduate classes at UNT on a diversity of topics ranging from ethnographic field

"This award is recognition also of the "communitas" we have cultivated in Anthropology between faculty, staff, and students. My work is deeply rooted in that community", praised Melissa

Palcich the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs with CLASS Academic Advising was honored with the Region 7 Excellence in Advising - Advising Administrator award.

"I'm honored to be recognized as NACADA Region 7's recipient of the Excellence in Advising - Advising Administrator Award," said Palcich. "Being recognized by NACADA for the work that I am privileged to be able to do is both humbling and rewarding. I believe that, to some extent, we all strive to have our work recognized."

Jennifer earned a B.A. in Psychology and Communication from the University of Dayton and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Hampshire. Since joinging UNT, Palcich has received numerous awards throughout her illustrious career and most recently was the recipient of the UCAN Advising Administrator nod.

"I share this honor with my colleagues, mentors, advisors, and their contributions toward my success. It's the people who surround me, and the mentors who lead me, who have provided the momentum for my success", said Palcich.

Nelson and Palcich will be recognized at the NACDA Region 7 Conference later this month in Oklahoma City, OK.

NACADA is an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators, and students working to enhance the educational development of students.