S.O.A.R.S. - Student Organization Advisor Resources and SupportFeatured AdvisorsThe Office of Involvement and Leadership Programs is proud to feature some of our Student Organization Advisors. They represent a rich variety of academic and leadership interests and experiences and we value their support of student education and leadership development as organization advisors! 
Dr. Anne HiskiesDirector of the Program on Science and Human Rights and Director of Research Ethics and Education for Stem Cell Research Dr. Anne Hiskes is currently part of the Philosophy Department and serves as Director of the Program on Science and Human Rights and Director of Research Ethics and Education for Stem Cell Research. Dr. Hiskes is on the editorial staff of Namaste, the student human rights journal. She also advises the Bioethics Club, which is in the process of being formed. Dr. Hiskes says “I think that working with others in activities of shared interest develops interpersonal skills and contributes to psychological well-being. It can also provide hand-on experiences that may be useful later in seeking employment.” She enjoys the students’ enthusiasm and appreciates their creativity. 
Betty HansonProfessor Emerita in the Political Science Department Betty Hanson is currently a Professor Emerita in the Political Science Department. She advises the Model United Nations Association, which has just held an incredibly successful two day conference for New England High School Students. She also advises the International Relations Association which is organizing World Fest to launch International Week. Betty believes that involvement in student organizations is important to the development of skills, such as social and leadership abilities. Student organizations also offer student the opportunity to develop new interests. She enjoys getting to know the students in a less formal setting and watching student succeed in challenging tasks. To other staff and faculty members, Betty says “You will learn more from the students than they will learn from you.” 
Lindsay SellAssistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Lindsay Sell is the Assistant Director in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Currently she advises many groups associated with fraternity and sorority life, specifically the Interfraternity Council and its member fraternities. Lindsay says that students can use what they learn outside of the classroom to “make greater and more meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their lives”. She also believes that the connections and relationships built through student involvement enhance and encourage the development of students. Lindsay enjoys advising because it’s fun, energizing, and exciting! To others who are considering advising, Lindsay says “While it can sometimes appear daunting to advise a student organization, the time that is put into this endeavor is most definitely worth it. What is gained from this opportunity is far greater than what is put in.” 
Roger N. BuckleyDirector of the Asian American Studies Institute and Professor of History Roger N. Buckley is a Professor of History. He is also the Director of the Asian American Studies Institute. Currently he advises Tarang, South Asian Graduate Student Organization, Sikh Student Association, Indian Student Association, and the Pakistani Club. Rogers finds the experience of being an advisor very rewarding and enjoys learning first-hand what is on student’s minds. Roger says “Campus involvement and leadership are vital to student success because we expect students to excel in these kinds of activities/experiences in the work place, in public service, and community work. What better place to learn and test these skills than at the university.” Roger enjoys experiencing the student’s enthusiasm as well as being a part of their success. Great work Roger! 
Kevin FaheySenior Associate Director in the Department of Student Activities Kevin Fahey is the Senior Associate Director in the Department of Student Activities. Currently, he advises SUBOG, Kappa Alpha Theta and Tau Kappa Epsilon. He believes that education takes places both in and out of the classroom and that the out of class involvement enhances student’s experiences and success. Kevin says that “Seeing our students grow, accomplish goals, learn, make friends, make mistakes, and take pride in being a student leader- that is what I enjoy most about advising students.” He enjoys when students come back to UConn years later and recall their memories in student organizations. Kevin believes that, no matter how many times he advises a student, student organization or a program, that student he is advising deserves that same dedication and commitment as his first student received. He always tells Graduate Students and young professionals to never forget why they initially decided to be an advisor. 
Mayté Pérez-FrancoDirector of Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center Dr. Pérez currently advises Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. However, she also advises many individual students. Dr. Pérez believes “campus involvement and leadership are critical to the intellectual and personal development of students, as well as their educational attainment and persistence.” She enjoys watching leaders grow and evolve into strong advocates as well as taking part in their development. Dr. Pérez offers this advice to others who are considering being an advisor “Do it! It’s the best job you’ll ever have!” Keep up the great work Dr. Pérez! 
Bill MatteraResidence Hall Director in the Department of Residential Life Bill is the Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residential Life. Currently he advises HuskyTHON and the National Residence Hall Honorary. Bill believes that “Campus involvement, especially in groups like HuskyTHON, really teaches people to connect with their communities and to get out of their rooms. It is so important for them to give back to their community, and to engage themselves in something bigger then their playstation or AIM.” He enjoys watching the group develop and grow something, like events and traditions. Bill says the most rewarding part of being an advisor is seeing a group complete something and come together. His advice to other faculty members is “Find something that you are passionate or excited about, and then share that with students.” Excellent Work! 
Todd C. SullivanDirector of Fraternity and Sorority Life Todd Sullivan currently works in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life serving as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. He advises the Greek Leadership Cabinet. He has advised, and currently supervises the advisors of: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Panhellenic Council. Todd believes that students succeed when they are engaged in organizations. As a student, Todd found this to be true and now wants to provide similar opportunities and experiences to today’s student leaders. He says that the most rewarding part of advising student organizations is “Seeing the light bulbs turn on, but also the moment when a group realizes they don’t need me as much anymore. This may seem counterintuitive, but if I’ve done my job well, then the students will be able to lead their own organizations without my constant oversight.” Keep up the great work Todd! 
Miguel ColonStudent Activities Community Outreach Program Coordinator Miguel A. Colón advises the UConn Habitat for Humanity group, a great program that builds houses for the less fortunate. His view on campus involvement and leadership’s influence on student success is that campus involvement and leadership are vital to the student’s success. This is because he/she will learn skills that can be applied to anything in life. He enjoys connecting with the students on a regular basis, and he believes that the most rewarding part of being an advisor is seeing how the students grow over time. He would tell people thinking of becoming an advisor that if you have the time it is worth becoming an advisor and working with students at a different level. 
Tyson MillerChemistry Professor Tyson Miller advises two groups on campus: Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society and Phi Lambda Upsilon, a chemistry graduate student group. He believes that students are competitive in the job market only if they can sell themselves as being “the best” at what they do, gained through interaction with peers and faculty in this capacity. His favorite part about advising his student groups is watching students work together to accomplish goals that would be difficult to achieve individually using thoughtful and active leadership. Being an advisor of students, either individual or group, affords him the opportunity to serve as a mentor, which is the most important role he believes he can fulfill in student lives. Tyson believes that to be a successful advisor requires two things: 1) be willing to serve as a mentor, and 2) be willing to strike a balance between student guidance and student freedom. When this happens, students will optimize their opportunities to be successful in their professions. 
John TanakaChemistry Professor John Tanaka, an Emeritus Professor in the Chemistry Department, also advises the Pre-Dental Society. He believes that preparation for certain professions is not covered in the formal coursework in an undergraduate curriculum. His favorite part of being an advisor is the opportunity to work with the students and watch them mature. He says the most rewarding part of advising a student group is that it is rewarding to see students succeed. For pre-dental students, it is to share the joy of being accepted into a dental school. John encourages staff and faculty to advise student groups. 
Philip MannheimPhysics Department Professor Philip Mannheim, from the Department of Physics is the advisor of the Jewish Students Association. Professor Mannheim believes that campus involvement and leadership provides continuity and institutional memory from year to year as the student body changes. There is not one part of being an advisor that he dislikes. His favorite part is seeing the students respond to challenges. Professor Mannheim says that every faculty person has commonalities with students and being an advisor is very satisfying for both the faculty and the students. 
Steven ParkLearning Resource Center Manager and adjunct professor of History at Avery Point Steven Park, Manager of the Learning Resource Center and adjunct professor of History at Avery Point is the advisor of the Reformed University Fellowship. Mr. Park says that students who are most likely to succeed are those who are engaged in the campus life of their university and one of the biggest indicators for success in life is leadership among one’s peers. He most enjoys interacting with college students and assisting them in navigating around UConn. He says the most rewarding part of being an advisor is to see the students’ plans and programs come together. Mr. Park’s words of wisdom to faculty are to get involved with one of the many groups at UConn and give the students the support that they need to thrive! 
Maryann MorrisAllied Health Sciences Lecturer Maryann Morris, an Allied Health Sciences lecturer, is the advisor of the Allied Health Sciences Club. Maryann believes that being a student leader promotes student success and allows students to acquire important skills such as team building and leadership skills. She loves being an advisor because it allows her to take on many roles. As an advisor, she is a preceptor, a supporter, and a resource. She says the most rewarding part of being an advisor is seeing the students do community service which in turn gives them a great learning experience. She also enjoys watching students achieve their goals. For anyone who’s thinking about becoming an advisor, Maryann says that you need to set aside time for the students and be open to ideas. Keep up the great work, Maryanne! 
Fany D. HannonManager of Student and Young Alumni Relations Fany Hannon is the manager of Student and Young Alumni Relations. She is also the advisor for two groups on campus: the Student Alumni Association and the Latino Student Association. Fany believes that student leadership is important to a student’s success because it forces them to think outside the box. She says, “students are given opportunities to serve, guide, and inspire themselves and their own peers to become active global citizens and to gain helpful skills that they can transfer after they graduate.” Fany is particularly favorable to the energy students bring to their projects. She believes the most rewarding part of being an advisor is being able to SMILE! Serving and support students no matter what; Mentoring and motivating them; Inspiring them to go beyond; Leading by example; Encouraging them to succeed! To other faculty who may have considered becoming an advisor of a student group on campus, Fany has something to tell you. “Being an advisor is one of the most gratifying roles in life. You have the opportunity to serve others without asking for any special prize. When you’re an advisor of students, the reward comes from their minds and hearts when you see them succeed in every single adventure they embark. If you’re an active listener, caring people, and want to inspire others, PLEASE STAND UP because there is a student organization waiting for you!” 
Stefanie LandsmanAlumni Relations Coordinator Stefanie is an Alumni Relations Coordinator and is part of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. She advises Colleges Against Cancer. She thinks campus involvement and leadership are vital to student success because they provide students with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills. Stefanie also believes that involvement allows students to make a difference in the UConn community and meet others with similar interests. She most enjoys the variety of being an advisor. She says “Every day is different, and the students’ passion and ideas are the driving forces behind everything the group accomplishes.” She finds watching an organization flourish to be the most rewarding part of her job and enjoys the enthusiasm that students bring to the programs. To others considering becoming advisors, Stefanie would say that there are many opportunities to get involved and watching the groups and clubs make a difference in the community is wonderful and rewarding. She adds “just as we tell students, get involved.” |
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