Monday, February 02, 2009

D. Kim Sawrey, professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, has been named an Outstanding First Year Student Advocate by the National Resource Center for the First Year Experience & Students in Transition.

Each year, the center, based at the University of South Carolina, recognizes faculty members in higher education who share the common goal of improving the educational experience of first-year students. Presidents and chancellors of American post-secondary institutions are invited to nominate one educator on their campus for this award. A national panel of distinguished educators reviews the nomination portfolios and selects 10 individuals as the nation's Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates.

In her nomination of Sawrey, UNCW Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo stated "Kim Sawrey is the finest example of how a faculty member can be a strong advocate for first-year students. He knows he can make a difference if he connects with students during their first year of college.

"UNCW will never really know how many students he has kept from failing or dropping out. However, we know it is faculty members like Dr. Sawrey that make this institution a stellar place for first-year students to begin their academic careers."

Sawrey has been a faculty member at UNC Wilmington since 1986. In his 22 years, he has taught countless Psychology 105 introductory courses, served as an advisor for the University College for 13 years and currently serves as chair of the Faculty Senate's Basic Studies Committee. Sawrey also was named an Outstanding Faculty Advisor by the University College in 1997 and 2007.

"This recognition is a team award," Sawrey said of being named an Outstanding First Year Advocate. "The experts at UNCW's University College are doing a great job helping freshmen transition into college life, through their support and their willingness to offer challenges."

"We, as a university, must capture our students in their first year," he added. "We must inspire and encourage a taste for learning. We have but one chance."

Media contact:

Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu