By Megan Lutz, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications Service
Academic advisors are an important piece of every student's education.
Kargol deals with a lot of interruptions in her job because students often need answers quickly. But, it's an environment that motivates her to stay diligent and positive. She says it's important to treat everyone as an individual and that's what she brings to her role as an advisor.
"I try to ask a lot of questions to find out what's motivating them and what's leading them to make the decisions that may hurt them instead of decisions that really should be helping them," Kargol said.
Kargol received the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Service in Student Recruitment and Retention Award for a job she enjoys. fact that her job offers variety and involves students. She teaches an orientation class, writes letters of recommendation and serves on committees, all to ensure student success at Iowa State.
Mickie Deaton, an academic advisor who works closely with Kargol, describes Kargol as a "dream coworker."
"When I started advising it was my first advising job and Amber was very helpful, a lot of mentoring and guidance, and she's always there," Deaton said.
Students she advises shared their thoughts about her in the award nomination packet.
"Amber is a friendly and welcoming advisor who cares about each student she serves as an individual," one student said. "Overall, she is one of the best faculty members I have ever worked with and has made the transition into my degree easier than I could have imagined."
"Amber is great and I feel like she's been one of my best resources on campus," another student said.
Kargol said she has a go-with-the-flow mindset, which helps her help students. Whether it's registration season or school break, she is there for her students and enjoys being a part of the Iowa State community.
"I've found something that I love and that I enjoy," Kargol said.
Kargol received her bachelor's degree in French from the University of South Dakota in 2000 and her master's degree in student affairs administration in higher education from Texas A&M University in 2002.
Kargol will receive the 2018 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Service in Student Recruitment and Retention Award at the Spring-Semester Convocation and Awards Program in the Memorial Union on March 8.
March 1, 2018