Harriot College Staff Among Those Receiving ECU Academic Advising Awards

Three Harriot College staff were among those honored for their hard work and dedication to students and the university at the annual Advising Awards recognition ceremony held on April 24. This is the 12th year of the recognition program sponsored by ECU’s Academic Advising Collaborative. The awards honor individuals who have demonstrated excellence in advising by going above and beyond their expected duties. Nominees are judged on the evidence of qualities and practices that distinguish the nominee as an outstanding leader in advising.

Harriot College staff who received 2023-24 Excellence in Advising Awards include Kiya Bolds, Assistant Director of the University Studies Program, who received the Outstanding Advising Administrator award; Andrea Menichelli, Administrative Support Associate in the Department of Economics, who received the Outstanding Administrative Assistant award; and Beth Simpson, Academic Advisor for the University Studies Program, who received the Outstanding Advisor award. Simpson also received an Outstanding Service Award for assisting with a pilot program in which select academic advisors were trained on how to utilize ECU’s Connect for Success (formerly called Starfish) to monitor flags, initiate follow-up with students, maintain system outcome notes for faculty and track student progress towards academic success.

Kiya Bolds

Excerpts from Bolds’ nomination letter read, “I have witnessed Kiya’s natural ability to form strong connections with others, her dedication to relationship-rich education, her commitment to advancing the advising profession, as well as her devotedness to her own learning and development. I cannot say enough good things about Kiya, and I am so fortunate to know her, work with her, learn from her and be inspired by her.”

“Receiving the Advising Administrator award reaffirms my commitment to guiding students through their journey. Knowing that I’m making a difference and providing support at pivotal moments in their education is rewarding,” Bolds said. “This recognition motivates me to continue blazing a trail for others in the world of student success.”

Bolds, who was raised in Chicago, received her B.S. in Human Services, with a minor in Business Administration, and her M.S. in Education, with an emphasis in Higher Education Counseling, from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She began working at ECU in 2006 and has served in both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. Bolds has a true passion for student growth, development and social justice awareness. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her daughter and enjoys music, movies and sports.

Andrea Menichelli

A nomination letter for Menichelli read, “Andrea has the patience of a saint and a servant’s heart. She is unfailingly helpful and kind to students, faculty and staff and goes above and beyond her duties to assist students.”

“I was surprised to learn my chair, supervisor and faculty took time out of their busy schedules to nominate me for this award. I’m honored to have been chosen,” Menichelli said.

Menichelli is a Greenville native who received her B.S. in Elementary Education from ECU in 2000. She taught for 10 years in Georgia and North Carolina, and began working at ECU in 2013. In 2016, Menichelli took a break from work to focus on family and returned to ECU in 2022. She said she loves working for her alma mater, supporting her department and volunteering for student affairs programs. Outside of work, Menichelli enjoys spending time with her twins and has devoted her free time to working with Beare Garden Plantation Animal Rescue, a non-profit cat rescue.

Beth Simpson

Comments of nomination for Simpson’s advising award stated, “She recognizes the hurdles faced by so many non-traditional, online learners and ensures her students are aware of the instructional and non-instructional resources they need to achieve their academic goals. In summary, Beth Simpson is the total advising package. She has the skills that contribute to exemplary performance and a positive work environment. Some of these skills are innate to who she is as a person, and others have been developed over time through practice and experience. Regardless, she is the type of advisor you would want if you were a student, parent, faculty member, administrator, colleague or supervisor.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the support of the University Studies team and the College of Arts and Sciences as a whole,” said Simpson. “It’s easy to be good at what you do when you truly believe in the mission of the program and love the people that you work with every day.”

Simpson was born and raised in a rural town outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She came to North Carolina to complete both her B.S. in Psychology and her M.A. in College Student Development at Appalachian State University. Simpson has worked in several areas since coming to ECU in 2017. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with a good book, watching college football, sitting on the front porch and spending time with her family.

Menichelli proudly holds her award for Outstanding Administrative Assistant. (Contributed photo)

Dr. Tisha L.N. Emerson, Chair of the Department of Economics, said of Menichelli, “Andrea exemplifies ECU’s focus on student success. When students face a roadblock to graduation, she frequently identifies creative solutions. Her kindness, enthusiasm, sincere dedication and the effort she puts into her work as an advisor make her an incredible asset to our department and students. We would be lost without Andrea.”

Simpson and Bolds display their advising awards. (Contributed photo)

Dr. Amy Shannon, Director of the University Studies Program, said, “I am so appreciative of the hard work and dedication Kiya and Beth continually show within their jobs. They have positively impacted the University Studies program, staff and students with their innovation, professionalism, leadership, teamwork and helpful natures. Their contributions make a difference, and I am happy they were recognized and received awards for their commitment to excellence.”