MSU IAT program coordinators receive Collaborative Excellence in Advising Award
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EmailMSU's Institute of Agricultural Technology Community College Program Coordinators have been awarded the 2024 Collaborative Excellence in Advising Award, recognizing their outstanding teamwork and commitment to student success
EAST LANSING, MI [Feb. 24, 2025] – Michigan State University's Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) Community College Program Coordinators have been awarded the 2024 Collaborative Excellence in Advising Award. This award recognizes their outstanding teamwork, innovation and commitment to student success through partnerships with community colleges across Michigan.
The IAT Program Coordinators – Matthew Bernia, Constance Schwass, Angela King, Brian Gardner, Lance Fowler, Katelyn Kelley, Thomas Green, Kristen Brown, Cristin Hosmer and Tyler Sisson – have been instrumental in expanding access to career-focused agricultural education. By partnering with institutions like Bay College, Delta College, Montcalm Community College and others, they've advised students to earn an MSU IAT certificate in 12 locations statewide.
The award criteria states, "This award celebrates the power of effective teamwork and sustainable partnerships that lead to significant, positive impact in the advising community."
The nomination highlighted the team's dedication to:
- Expanding Educational Access: Bringing high-quality programs to rural and underserved areas.
- Developing Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Creating specialized programs to meet workforce needs.
- Providing Student-Centered Support: Offering academic advising, career mentoring and networking opportunities.
- Innovative problem solving: Finding new ways to meet student needs through novel class structures and creative financial aid solutions.
"MSU IAT Program Coordinators serve as the backbone of the Institute’s mission to empower students to succeed in agriculture, food and natural resources industries," the nomination letter noted. "By combining academic advising, program administration and student support, they ensure every student has the resources, knowledge and confidence to excel."
The Collaborative Excellence in Advising Award recognizes partnerships that demonstrate meaningful, lasting impact and ethical collaboration. The IAT Program Coordinators exemplify these qualities through their work empowering students and strengthening Michigan's agricultural industry.
About the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology
MSU IAT has a long history of establishing hands-on, intensive agricultural curriculum. They offer 15 different certificate programs in 12 locations across the state, coordinated in partnership with community colleges and other industry partners.
