Image: Ryan Smith has been named the recipient of this year’s Outstanding New Advisor award. Smith advises more than 200 students seeking degrees in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. He advises students seeking degrees in geography, interdisciplinary art, and art with areas of emphasis in interior design, photography, and printmaking. Smith began advising at UGA in September 2021. “His thoughtfulness, reliability, and integrity have gained the trust of his students and colleagues alike,” said Diane Miller, director of student academic services for Franklin College. “From the moment Ryan stepped into the role of department advisor for the Geography Department, his impact has been nothing short of transformative, not just for the students he advises but for his colleagues and the department as a whole,” said Kajal Patel, academic advisor for Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Smith’s advising philosophy is to be authentic and approachable, to always encourage, and to learn from his students. Smith’s colleagues describe him as being selflessly committed to his students and willingly extending a helping hand. He is described as going above and beyond in his role as an academic advisor.
