Spring 2022 Transfer Advocate Winners

The University Office of Transfer Services proudly presents the Transfer Advocate Award, an esteemed accolade recognizing faculty and staff members who have significantly contributed to the successful integration of transfer students into the UGA community. Nominations for this award are exclusively accepted from transfer students, allowing them to honor individuals who have gone above and beyond in providing support during their transition to UGA. Winners are chosen based on the highest number of nominations received, with first and second-place recipients awarded a stipend and the third-place recipient receiving a gift basket. Additionally, all nominees receive a certificate of recognition from the Office of Instruction. To ensure fairness, first place winners are eligible to win only once every five years.

The Transfer Advocate Award not only celebrates excellence but also fosters a culture of support and collaboration within the UGA community. It underscores the importance of recognizing the dedication and efforts of faculty and staff members in ensuring the smooth transition and success of transfer students at UGA. Through this award, we honor those who embody our commitment to inclusivity, support, and student success, ensuring that transfer students feel welcomed, valued, and empowered as they embark on their academic journey at the University of Georgia.

 

First place winner

Emily Robinson is an academic advisor in the Mary Frances Early College of Education. Emily advises students pursuing the Special Education and Intended Elementary Education majors. 

Since starting her role in August 2020, Emily has earned two advising related certificates and is currently working on two more. She is involved in the Mentoring Advising Professionals program and AACC committee, Transfer Student discussion group, Let's Talk Transfers, and the DEI Task Force. Emily was a nominee for the 2020-2021 Outstanding New Advisor award and was awarded Colleague of the Semester by her peers. 

Helping students make the transition to UGA is a passion of hers and she is determined to not let any single student fall through the cracks. Therefore, she spends extra time keeping detailed records, educating her peers on Core to Core and Transfer Course Evaluations, and learning about the common issues transfer students face at UGA. Her goal is to share resources and engage in cross-campus collaboration to implement change to better serve this student population. Emily's advising philosophy is based upon a student development theoretical framework and helping students find a sense of belonging. Emily has the opportunity to advise students pursuing UGA's only fully online bachelor's program, which primarily consists of transfer students. 

Emily received her bachelor's degree from UGA in 2017 and her M.Ed. in Professional Counseling: College Student Affairs from the University of West Georgia in 2020. 

 

 

Second place winner

Debbie Hargrave is a Senior Academic Advisor in the Mary Frances Early College of Education.

Her programs include Elementary Education and Science Education. She joined the college’s Office of Undergraduate Advising in October 2018. Debbie is passionate about developing relationships and guiding students through their academic journey.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia. After graduation she returned to the Athens area to teach elementary and middle school for over ten years.