OHIO advisors honored with Chapman-Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award

Ohio University recognized Dr. Deborah McAvoy and Zachary Graman with the Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Awards for the 2023-24 academic year at the fall University Academic Advising Council meeting.

McAvoy is an associate professor of civil engineering in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.

Here is a comment from one of McAvoy's advisees about the outstanding work that she does.

"I have seen students go to her year-round to ask advice about jobs and their concerns about themselves and their abilities,” the advisee shared.” Past students will email her asking advice on problems they face post-grad and she is always willing to help. She puts her all into everyone's problems. She has helped me grow into a better engineer and student."

Graman is an associate director of Learning Communities in University College and served as a success advisor during the 2023-24 nomination cycle.

Here is a comment from one of his advisees about how Graman has been especially helpful.

"I came into college stuck between many different majors. He was able to help me navigate the DARS system to find which classes were a part of all the majors and would be best for me to take while I was still deciding,” the advisee explained. “He also taught me how to navigate the DARS system on my own to make sure that I was able to find solutions on my own. As a resident assistant to first year students this year, having this solid understanding of the system has allowed me to help residents get through some of the same troubles I was having early in my college career."

About the Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award

Ohio University celebrates the important work of faculty and staff across the University whose strong advising makes a positive impact on students’ academic careers. Through shared responsibility and engagement, strong student-advisor relationships ensure academic success.

The Chapman Clapp Outstanding Advisor Award was created in honor of Laura Chapman, former University College assistant dean for student services, and Lora Clapp, former University College assistant dean for first-year programs. David Descutner, retired dean of University College and past interim president of Ohio University, established and endowed the university-wide award to celebrate Chapman and Clapp's 50 collective years of caring, student-centered advising.