A skilled academic advisor can make all the difference between a student traveling a smooth road in college rather than one filled with bumps and potholes. Few know that better than Connie Gensler, who for a dozen years served as an academic advisor for many hundreds of students enrolled in health occupation programs at Nicolet College.

For those years of exemplary service, Gensler was recently honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association, which gives out one statewide award annually.

“Connie is very dedicated to her students and she’s put in an incredible amount of time and energy to help them be successful,” said Leanne Vigue Miranda, also a Nicolet academic advisor and the individual who nominated Gensler. “Connie has taught me so much about being an academic advisor, all the while leading by example.”

Gensler, a registered nurse, has worked at Nicolet 17 years, splitting her time between academic advising and teaching. Recently, she returned to the classroom and now teaches Nursing Assistant classes.

“For me, it boils down to making a difference in the lives of my students,” Gensler said. “It is with great pleasure that I watch my students walk across the stage at graduation knowing that I have played an integral role in their journey to reach their educational goals.”

In order to be considered for the award, nominees must have a minimum of 10 years in the advising profession and have a record of excellence in their work. They must also have made distinct contributions to the college above and beyond their work in academic advising or have developed new and effective programs to meet student needs.