Advisor of the month: February 2024
Deanna Flora
College of Science
What do you enjoy about your role in advising?
I enjoy working with students and being a support and a trusted resource to help them succeed. I strive to be a safe place for my students to come when they need support. I love celebrating with them when they reach a goal or overcome an obstacle. My goal is for each of my students to know they have someone in their corner and I will do everything I can to help them. I want each and every student to have an amazing college experience and be set up for success in their future.
In what ways have you contributed to advising in your department/area?
Throughout my professional life, as a pharmacist, teacher, and now advisor, I have maintained my passion for improving the lives of my patients/students through developing honest, authentic connections. I strive to know my students, support them, and do everything I can to aid in their success at VT and in their future. While working with my students, I aspire to encourage and challenge them to be their best.
I have an amazing team and I enjoy helping us meet our goals. I have been collaborating on revamping our policies and procedures and improving our efficiency in completing advising tasks. I also contribute to our recruiting efforts in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics and the College of Science, and I work with my colleagues to strengthen our Ambassador Team. I have plans to contribute to the improvement of our workflow through a few projects in the near future that will provide us with the opportunity to focus on helping individual students who need additional support. I have also contributed to presentations for advising sessions, communication templates, etc. to help streamline advising tasks and create consistency among our team for our CMDA students.
What advice would you give to other professionals who want to a make a difference in the life of their students?
When people know you care, they are more likely to share their truth, struggles, and successes with you, which opens the door for a more authentic, successful relationship enabling the attainment of goals. Create a safe place for your students to share with you.