Grayson Earns Award for Excellence in SDSU Academic Advising

Katie Grayson, professional academic advisor in the Ness School of Management and Economics, was recently selected as the recipient of the 2022 Walt McCarty Award for Excellence in Academic Advising in recognition of her efforts as an outstanding undergraduate student advisor in the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES).

"It was an honor to be nominated for the Walt McCarty Award -- it was completely unexpected," said Grayson. "I take a lot of pride in the work that I do, so it was truly an honor."

The Walt McCarty Advising Award is presented to an academic advisor to promote the importance of and stimulate excellence in academic advising and provide recognition to outstanding advisors of undergraduates in CAFES. This award is made possible by Dr. David B. Anderson as a tribute to his former academic advisor, J. Walters McCarty, a professor of animal and range sciences at SDSU from 1948 to 1986.

"After reading over Katie's nomination application and letters of support, and while keeping in mind the meaning behind the award, she was a perfect fit," said Vikram Mistry, Associate Dean for CAFES Academic Programs. "Katie fully embodies the purpose of the award. She cares about her students deeply and the college greatly appreciates her dedication and work."

Grayson has been a professional academic advisor for four years, advising approximately 300 students a year and providing meaningful mentorship to students within the Ness School by helping them develop academic and career plans throughout their time at SDSU.

According to Mistry, Grayson is committed to tailoring each student's academic path to their individual interests.

Grayson acts as a liaison for different clubs on campus, helps with new student orientation and other various recruitment events, serves on the athletics compliance committee and has created a social media presence for the Ness School of Management and Economics.

"She is amazing at working with students and helping them navigate their college careers," said Nicole Klein, professor and Associate Academic Director of the Ness School of Management and Economics. "We want her to receive the recognition for everything she does."