Mary Skinner Named SEC Student Government Advisor of the Year
Mary Skinner, University of Arkansas director of Student Activities, has been named the Southeastern Conference Associated Student Government Advisor of the Year.
“Mary is a passionately dedicated professional who cares deeply for all students which is evident as it’s the students who nominated her for this award,” said Lori Lander, assistant vice chancellor for Campus Life and associate dean of students. “Additionally, it was her staff that nominated her for the Professional/Non-Faculty-Administrator Employee of the Quarter which she was honored for during the 2nd quarter of 2020-21. It is because of Mary’s leadership that the Associated Student Government and the Graduate Professional Student Congress are among the best in the nation. She leads with heart and demonstrates to students a strong work ethic for service all while balancing her life outside of the university as mother and spouse. Her impact is unparalleled as seen by the statements students and staff say about her.”
Skinner was honored with the award at the awards portion of the Southeastern Conference Exchange, an annual conference attended by student governments in the SEC, hosted virtually this year by the University of Tennessee.
“We are thrilled for Dr. Skinner and beyond grateful that we had the opportunity to work with her this year,” said Julia Nall, president of Associated Student Government for the 2020-21 school year. “She is compassionate, dedicated, and has been a remarkable mentor during a difficult year.”
Skinner was nominated for the award by executive members of student government. She has been advising the student groups this year when she typically has someone in a position who works more directly with these students. That position has remained unfilled during the Pandemic.
“In addition to guiding us through what our Dean of Students has described as the most difficult year in recent memory for student leaders, Dr. Mary Skinner advised our Associated Student Government with unprecedented grace, attention, and support,” wrote students in the nomination letter. “ASG and Graduate Professional Student Congress (GPSC) are two highly demanding organizations, which is why a full-time staff position with a Master’s degree requirement exists to advise them. However, Dr. Skinner effectively took on the role of the student government advisor in addition to her position as director of Student Activities with no idea as to when she would be able to hire a full-time advisor. Dr. Skinner provided immeasurable support to us this year without letting her other responsibilities fall to the wayside. Dr.Skinner is always available, kind, supportive, and she will be greatly missed when the student government advisor position is filled.”
“I am so incredibly honored to have been selected for this award.” Skinner said. “Entering the 2020 academic year I never expected to advise ASG directly for the whole year. I thought it would be a few months, but this pandemic thought differently. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and the student leaders never stopped and continued to make a huge difference on this campus. I am so proud of all of them and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
Skinner has been with the University of Arkansas since July 2001 and has been in her current position as director of student activities since July 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and English from the University of Central Missouri, a Master of Science in counseling and student personnel from Minnesota State University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas.
Adrain Smith Named NASPA Nia Award Winner
Adrain Smith, director of leadership and diversity initiatives in the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, was recently awarded the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) African American Knowledge Community Nia Award for Mid-Level Professionals.
Smith accepted his award via a virtual celebration on March 22, during the NASPA Annual Conference, which was also held virtually this year. This award is presented to an “exemplary mid-level professional in student affairs… (who) demonstrates the principle of Nia, which means purpose that encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.”
“In my 18 years as an educator, I have always strived to be purposeful about all things,” Smith said. “I am not the greatest programmer, adviser, administrator or coordinator, but what I am is a person deeply invested in helping others to become and to fulfill their life’s purpose.”
Leslie Yingling, associate dean of students and assistant vice chancellor for student success and multicultural initiatives, works with Smith in the Multicultural Center.
“Adrain’s energy, experience and education in student and professional development make him a go-to resource, adviser and confidante for many professionals in our division and for our student community,” Yingling said. “He puts his mind, heart and soul into student services and student success and into effective student affairs mentoring and leadership. He is a wonderful colleague and outstanding professional in our field.”
“I have merely tried to be a conduit, a connection, a catalyst and a consistent influence in their lives by the way I live mine — values based, authentically, unapologetically with a mindset rooted in transforming lives through purpose,” Smith said.
Marsha Norvell, retired executive assistant to the vice chancellor for the Student Affairs Division, worked with Smith for many years and supported his nomination for the award.
“As you all know, the pandemic has created difficult times on campus,” Norvell wrote in her letter of support. “Adrain has reached out and connected with his students, making sure they feel heard, supported and cared for. He has them reflect, set goals and check in regularly. He checks on me weekly as well, which I greatly appreciate. There is no one with a bigger heart than Adrain. He is truly an outstanding person who never expects recognition, but is always generously reaching out to give support.”
Yingling agreed with Norvell. “He gives his all to guarantee that students, student employees, graduate assistants and full-time professionals get the most out of their experiences with our department and our division. He helps to ensure that we all benefit from an environment rich in creativity, curiosity and connection and busy with goal-oriented practice, learning and growth,” Yingling said.
Smith said one of his greatest purposes in life is to be the father of and to Hayden and Miles Smith, his two children. “2020 has reminded me the importance of celebrating all things that deserve acknowledgement and celebration. So, I celebrate each and every one who is here and are striving to live life on purpose, with purpose and for a purpose,” he said.
“I am working to become a better me, so that I can fulfill my life’s purpose,” Smith said. “To all my colleagues, mentors and friends in the profession: thank you for assisting me along the way. I am grateful for all who have, and continue to, uplift me, invest in me and champion me.”
Read more about Adrain in our Q&A Feature from February.
These stories previously appeared in Arkansas News.