Amanda Alexander, associate teaching professor, Division of Applied Social Sciences, was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor during the 2023 Celebration of Excellence event, held Tuesday, April 11.   

 Alexander teaches hospitality management courses at all undergraduate levels, from the intro course up to the senior capstone course. Additionally, she advises an average of 32 undergraduate students per semester, as well as serving as the faculty advisor to the Mizzou Special Events Society and the MU chapter of the Club Management Association of America.  

 “Dr. Alexander is a cornerstone of the undergraduate experience in hospitality management,” says Harvey James, interim director of the Division of Applied Social Sciences.  

 “She is more than an academic advisor: she is a mentor, a confidant, and a friend. She listens to her students’ concerns, considers their goals and aspirations, and connects them to resources both on campus and in the hospitality, which will help them to achieve those goals.” 

Alexander helps her students navigate their academic journey and paths to success by sharing her own personal successes and failures to form connections with students and promoting open dialogue in her classroom. 

 “My success, knowledge of the event industry, and experience since graduation can all be attributed to Amanda’s passion for her students. She didn’t just go the extra mile for me – she ran a marathon to ensure I was prepared and succeeded. I am so grateful that she was a part of my experience at Mizzou,” said Katy Thoele (BS ’15).