Theresa Yogi, an academic advisor in Kent State’s Honors College has been described by students as the sweetest and most caring person ever, who genuinely takes interest in them, sends them messages of encouragement and contacts them when internships and other job opportunities arise.
Yogi, who is coordinator of honors thesis and scholarship programs, said she has worked to form bonds with her students that surpass academics, and she provides support and encouragement that buoys them during challenging times.
For all of her exemplary work Yogi was recently awarded Kent State’s Distinguished Advising Award by University Advising and the Kent Academic Advising Support and Advising Association (KASADA). Of her 13-year career, Yogi has spent 7.5 years at Kent State's Honors College.
The Distinguished Advising Award is the most prestigious honor in academic advising. Academic advisors across all colleges and campuses were nominated by fellow colleagues, staff members and students who believe they provided extraordinary advising and showed exemplary dedication in the work they do and how it impacts the lives of their students.
Yogi recently spoke with Kent State Today about how honored and humbled she is to accept the Distinguished Advising Award.
Of the 175 overall nominations received, 62 academic advisors were nominated with 83% of those submissions coming from students, who shared touching stories about their advisors.
Yogi, of Stow, is a native of Pittsburgh and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forensic chemistry from West Virginia University. Before joining Honors College, she worked at the University of Akron in the College of Engineering and West Virginia University.
Yogi initially did not choose advising or education but when she was a graduate student she was offered an assistantship, which is when she discovered she loved advising so much more than working in a lab alone. Later, she
“I found the Honors College which was perfect,” Yogi said. “I could get back to the exploratory advising and see anybody and everybody. It was not just the prescriptive like here are the classes you need to take. It was all the other stuff that makes a student a student.”
She has dedicated her career to enhancing the academic and professional journeys of her students and is known for her commitment to helping them build impressive resumes filled with research experience, internships, leadership roles, and volunteer activities.
In her current role, Yogi advises about 300 Honors students on coursework, graduation requirements, and personal and professional development. She spearheads the Honors College scholarship program, managing over $3 million in annual awards. Additionally, she strengthens the College's alumni network by initiating connections and hosting events. Her passion for student success and innovative initiatives, such as the "Career Conversations" series, have made a lasting impact on the Honors College community.
In addition, Yogi coordinates the Senior Honors Thesis/Project, helping students achieve their academic and research goals. She also mentors and supervises the College's graduate assistant. She manages the probation and dismissal processes, providing guidance and support to students facing academic challenges.
Moreover, Yogi has assisted with the Honors College recruitment and admissions process and taught an introductory First Year Experience course to new Honors freshmen. She has volunteered as a Student Conduct Hearing Officer and represented the College on various working groups and committees.
The honor of receiving the Distinguished Advising Award reminded Yogi of how the smallest acts make a huge impact on the lives of her students.
“Reading through the students’ words was incredibly meaningful,” Yogi said. “It reminded me that even small acts of support can have a lasting impact. I am grateful to have been their cheerleader when they needed one most.