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Jan Lauren Boyles, assistant professor, has been selected by the Greenlee School’s Student Advisory Board as the winner of the 2017 Harry Heath/Lou Thompson Jr. Advising Award.

Boyles joined the Greenlee School faculty in 2014 and advises 21 Greenlee majors. She teaches undergraduate courses in ethics, media law, data storytelling and news writing.

Boyles’ students rave about her kindness, sincerity and enthusiasm—even during her 8 a.m. media law classes.

In a nomination letter, a student writes: “Not only do I appreciate her zest for educating us, but also the fact that she gets to know us. I was nearly shocked when she knew most of [the students in] our lecture by name, but [after] getting to know her more it is not shocking at all.

“She meets with us to see not only how we are doing in her class, but across the board as well. I was stressed about not getting an internship this summer…she gave me contacts and guidance on what to do next, which was so helpful during that overwhelming time.”

Boyles said she’s “truly honored and humbled to be selected for this honor” and working with the Greenlee School’s talented students and faculty makes her eager to start each day.

“One of the most significant joys in my life is fostering student success,” she added. “The relationships that I forge with students in Hamilton Hall last beyond a single class or even beyond graduation day. Mentorship is a lifelong commitment. I look forward to seeing our students continue to achieve and excel as successful Cyclone alumni.”

Faculty advisers are nominated by their advisees and the winner is selected by the Greenlee School’s Student Advisory Board based on any one or combination of the following: open-door policy, astute academic advising, practical mentoring and life-changing influence.

“This award is especially significant because it underscores the faculty’s commitment not only to students but to the educational climate in which students learn,” said Michael Bugeja, director.

“The advising award reminds faculty that students come first,” he added, “and this particular honor has played a key role in establishing the collegial culture we enjoy at Greenlee.”

The award was founded in 2007 by the late Lou Thompson Jr., alumnus and former chair of the Greenlee School’s Advisory Council, in the name of his own adviser, the late Harry Heath, former Iowa State journalism professor and alumnus. Heath, who later became director of the journalism school at Oklahoma State, hired Bugeja out of United Press International and was his faculty mentor there.

“Harry always emphasized open-door advising, and Jan Lauren Boyles’ door is open to all,” Bugeja said.

“She truly embodies the spirit of the award.”