Nathan Dobbels, academic advisor in agricultural education and studies, is the recipient of the 2023 Professional and Scientific Learning Community Coordinator Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. He has been instrumental in improving the student experience in the department’s learning community, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 era. His work involved opportunities for students to connect with each other, their peer mentors and Iowa State faculty and staff. He also improved the connections between the new student orientation programs and the learning community in an effort to improve students’ overall experience and transition to Iowa State.
Dobbels has also made an impact in his supervision of the department’s 12-15 peer mentors, who enjoy working with him and appreciate his passion and energy. He challenges them to seek opportunities for growth, supports them during challenging moments and overall helps to create a fun and supportive environment for the peer mentors. They often report that they gain as much or more than the students do from their responsibilities, and this is a direct representation of Dobbels’ efforts. A colleague states, “Nathan has had a transformational effect on the AGEDS Learning Community and the AGEDS 110 course.”