Kyle Ellis is among five recipients nationally for the 2016 Outstanding Advising Administrator Award. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications
OXFORD, Miss. – Kyle Ellis, director of Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience at the University of Mississippi, has been awarded a 2016 Outstanding Advising Administrator Award.
NACADA, the National Academic Advising Association, which has more than 10,000 members, presented Ellis the award at its annual conference earlier this month.
Ellis was among five advising administrators chosen from around the nation. Recipients are chosen based on skills and qualifications they have demonstrated during their time as advising administrators.
Brandi Hephner LaBanc, UM vice chancellor for student affairs, described the impact Ellis’ work has on the university.
“Dr. Ellis is determinedly committed to retaining students at the University of Mississippi,” she said. “As a result, he is diligently focused on making sure every student being advised is getting the best possible guidance and support.”
Ellis joined the Ole Miss staff in 2004 as an academic adviser. He continued his education at UM, earning his doctorate in higher education in 2011. In recent years, he has been involved with several higher education associations including the board of directors for NACADA, the Consortium for Student Retention and Data Exchange, and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrations.
“This award validates that our work at the University of Mississippi does not go unnoticed,” Ellis said. “Advisers have tremendous potential to impact student success, satisfaction and persistence. I am grateful to work with such outstanding advisers within the Center for Student Success and all across campus.”
“His leadership has been a major factor in our university’s ability to increase retention rates over the past few years,” Hephner LaBanc said.