Jason Norman, director of advising services at Amarillo College, knows that having a purposeful plan at the outset—a roadmap to completion—is among the best ways college students can ensure their academic success.

The Texas Academic Advising Network (TEXAAN) recognizes Norman as one serious cartographer.

TEXAAN named Norman the Outstanding Academic Advising Administrator of the Year at its annual conference Feb. 18-20 in Corpus Christi. The meeting was attended by academic advisors representing dozens of colleges and universities throughout Texas.

The selection committee mulled a wide range of criteria and chose Norman for, among other things, his successful integration of advising concepts into AC’s First-Year Seminar course; data-based success rates of students; the top-drawer team of professional advisors he has assembled and supports at AC; and his demonstration of leadership not only in the academic advising arena, but throughout AC’s No Excuses culture of caring.

“We’re like the GPS system students use on their journey through school,” Norman said. “Student success is the No. 1 priority at Amarillo College, which is why we must provide good, solid advising that helps our students achieve the success they envision and deserve.”

Norman, previously a high school teacher and public-school guidance counselor, was first employed by AC in 2006 as director of testing services. He became director of advising services in 2008.

“When Jason speaks, people listen,” Mark Rowh, dean of health sciences, wrote in nominating Norman for the award. “When he listens, those around him know that he is making plans to address potential barriers to optimal advising.”

Diane Brice, AC registrar, wrote: “Jason is a very kind and caring individual who works to ensure all of his staff provide that same care and compassion for service in hopes that we can change the life of each student we serve on a daily basis.”

Norman said he is gratified by the myriad nominations submitted on his behalf by AC colleagues.

“This award, while truly humbling for me because the broad support I received from my supervisors, my advisors and our faculty, is really a reflection of my entire staff,” he said. “It’s an accolade for everyone who works in advising services at AC, for all the advisors who do so much to help our individual students succeed.”

February 26, 2015