The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has selected Sarah Sheeley (PhD, '04, Sweedler) in the Department of Chemistry as the 2021 winner of the LAS Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. 

Sheeley is the Senior Chemistry Learning Center Coordinator and has worked in the CLC since 2008. As coordinator, Sheeley works to provide undergraduates with the support they need to successfully complete their general chemistry courses, assisting about 6,000 undergraduates who take general education chemistry courses each year. In addition to being responsible for the daily operations of the CLC, she also supervises about 80 teaching assistants.

Said her nominator for the LAS award: "Year after year, Sarah’s sustained efforts are absolutely indispensable as chemistry’s advisor for students on all matters academic, getting acclimated to STEM in college, and navigating hard material."

Sheeley said she is grateful both for this award and the recognition of her students and colleagues. 

"The Chemistry Learning Center is my chance to help students understand chemistry, while providing personal attention and built-in community to help guide them through large and challenging University courses. Receiving this award confirms that the connections we make with students in the CLC continue to support and encourage them beyond the classroom," she said.

The CLC is a team effort, Sheeley said.

"Without the hard work of my teaching assistants, we would not be able to create the welcoming and low-stakes atmosphere that is fundamental to our operation. Thank you to my TAs, past and present, for making the CLC a better place," she said.

This year’s winners of the LAS awards, including Sheeley, were honored in a ceremony on April 20. Read the full LAS award story.