Posted on June 6, 2002 at 11:55 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Paul Clay Rowell, M.A., of Alabaster, has been named as an Outstanding Certificate of Merit recipient in the Academic Advising — Primary Role category by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Rowell is an academic advisor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Division of General Studies.

The NACADA awards are presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with the outstanding academic advising of students. The Academic Advising — Primary Role category includes individuals whose primary role at the institution is the direct delivery of advising services to students. Rowell is one of 12 academic advisors to be honored with this award in this category in nationwide competition this year. He will be presented with the award during a ceremony at the NACADA national conference in Salt Lake City on October 1.

“I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I would receive this award,” Rowell said. “It’s a testament to UAB’s commitment to advising. I have worked here for four years, and the other advisors I have worked with have been phenomenal. Being able to help students in collaborative way has been a plus for me.”

Rowell has been an active member of the Committee on Academic Advising at UAB and is chairman of the steering committee. He has presented numerous programs on advising at the local, state and national levels and is the Southeast Region Four liaison for the NACADA Technology in Advising Commission.

Rowell developed a program that helps students who are exploring career options to examine their values, personality traits, life goals and academic interests. He also developed a student kiosk where students can obtain information about various majors and e-mail their advisors. Rowell also edits Bridging the Gap, a semi-annual newsletter for General Studies students.

Rowell is working toward an Ed.S., degree in counseling at the UAB School of Education. He is the 2001 recipient of the NACADA Scholarship for advisors pursuing graduate education and recently was named as the UAB counseling education program’s Ed.S., Student of the Year.

NACADA was established in 1983 and is dedicated to promoting quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students. The more than 6,500 NACADA members consist of faculty, professional advisors, administrators, counselors and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal and vocational needs of students. The NACADA represents academic advisors and is an advocate for academic advising.