Hannah Twenter, instructor and academic advisor in the Division of Animal Sciences, was honored with the 2022 Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award at CAFNR’s Celebration of Excellence ceremony, held Tuesday, April 19.

Twenter began her advising and instructor role in Animal Sciences in 2016. On average, she has 38 advisees each semester, with several more “unofficially.” In addition to these duties, additional involvement includes chairing the CAFNR Undergraduate Recruitment Committee.

“Hannah’s advising activities extend well beyond traditional advising. She advises the whole student,” says Trista Strauch, assistant teaching professor in the Division of Animal Sciences.

Twenter has completed mental health awareness training, participated in a Faculty Learning Community to promote inclusive teaching, and served as a faculty mentor and now advisory board member for the MU Disability Center.

“Hannah exceeded my expectations as an academic advisor. She was simply the best advisor I could have asked for. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides great insight, and understands just when to step in and give advice, while also letting students be independent,” says Kristen Williams, assistant natural history biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation.

Twenter continuously meets or exceeds the performance measures listed on the advisory evaluation summary. This document scores advisors across their respective division, as well as the college. Over the last several semesters, she has been above the average for the advisor categories – knowledge, availability, autonomy support, and career planning and development.

“When students were asked to provide letters supporting Hannah’s nomination for this award, many replied with ‘Thank you for the opportunity to support Hannah’s nomination,’” says Strauch. “They feel so passionately about the work that Hannah does and were excited to write a letter on her behalf. Hannah’s impact on students cannot be overstated.”