Leslie Ross Elected to Lead Liberal Arts Advising Community at NACADA

Posted April 9, 2021

Leslie Ross, academic program manager and undergraduate advisor in the School of Public Policy, has been elected as liberal arts advisors chair for the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the field through research and professional development.

Ross was previously recognized by the organization in 2018 when she was named winner of the group’s Outstanding Advising Award. In 2019, she was chosen as one of ten Emerging Leaders in NACADA and has taken on increasing responsibility ever since.

“I am so excited to lead the Liberal Arts Advising Community,” Ross said. “It has been a great joy to serve on the steering committee for the past three years, and I look forward to continuing the momentum we have built as I transition to my new role as chair.”

Ross, an alumna of Georgia Tech’s Science, Technology and Culture program, has been with the School of Public Policy since 2011, where she advises undergraduate and combined BS/MS students. She has also served as vice president of programs for the Georgia Tech Academic Advisor’s Network (GTAAN). She has received multiple internal awards, including Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor at the 2018 Georgia Tech Faculty and Staff Awards Banquet and a Buzz Award from the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts in 2020.

“Leslie's tireless work for our students–always thinking about ways to make their education both rewarding and enjoyable–makes her an invaluable member of the SPP community," said Marilyn Brown, Regents Professor, Brook Byers Professor of Sustainable Systems, and interim chair of the School of Public Policy. "We are thrilled that she has received this recognition."

In addition to her role as chair of NACADA’s Liberal Aarts Advising Community, Ross serves on its Global Awards Committee. In that position, she helps coordinate the distribution of information, solicitation of nominations, selection of recipients, and the awards presentations of the group’s global awards.

"Being elected to this NACADA leadership position is not only a fine tribute by one's peers but is also recognition of significant professional contributions to and excellence in the field of academic advising," NACADA President Cecilia Olivares and Executive Director Charlie L. Nutt wrote in a news release.

According to its website, NACADA “promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students.” The group also fosters discussion and debate on academic advising through publications, events, a speakers service, an awards program, and funding opportunities.

It has 12,000 members in the United States, Canada, and several other nations.