Ms. Stephanie Johnson, Academic Counselor in the Academic Counseling Center Distinguished Advising Award The Distinguished Advising award has been earned by Ms. Stephanie Johnson, Academic Counselor in the Academic Counseling Center. Ms. Johnson is an experienced academic counselor in the University's Academic Counseling Center . She has worked for over twenty years in the field of counseling and came to the University of Memphis in 1992, first as a Coordinator in the Office of Student Disability Services and then in 1996 in the Academic Counseling Center. Since them she has served as academic counselor to over 4,500 students, employing a holistic advising approach that addresses the academic needs of students. Colleagues have commented on her warmth and concern for students. In student letters, a recurrent theme has been how “encouraging” she has been for many students who were not sure about how they could succeed and about how helpful the advice is that she gives them, not just about classes and schedules, but also about how they can succeed in their academic and career goals. Stephanie Johnson has also taken on the role of a leader within the Counseling Center and across the campus, always seeking new ways to improve academic advising and counseling for all students at our University. She serves as an example to the student she advises, one of whom describes her as “a precious jewel, a rare person as well as a beautiful person.” Congratulations, Ms. Johnson.