by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
An academic adviser at Kansas City Kansas Community College is being recognized for her commitment to students.
Carla Pestock received the Supportive Advisor Award from the Kansas Academic Advising Network.
The award is given to an individual who “exemplifies a commitment to advising and is a true advocate for students and advisors.” The award is part of the network’s awards program, which is designed to honor schools and individuals that have made contributions to academic advising. Award winners are presented at the annual KAAN conference.
“I was excited and very honored to be chosen,” she said on winning the award. “I care deeply about working with students and to be acknowledged by my peers-colleagues is a tremendous honor.”
Pestock has been at KCKCC for 29 years, serving in several positions including coordinator and academic advisor to the Program for Adult College Education (PACE), coordinator of Continuing Professional Education and coordinator of Community Education. She joined the academic advising team in the Student Advising Center in March 2013.
“I want our students to feel welcome and to feel supported in what they are trying to accomplish. First and foremost, I listen and work with them to plan out their schedules,” she said. “I try to always make sure they keep their end goal in mind. I support them by talking with them about what’s important outside of the classroom, and I attempt to support them at events here on campus.”
Pestock said she works hard to be supportive for not only the students, but her fellow advisers. She said to be acknowledged for the work she does is rewarding.
“Our students are what I enjoy most about my job. I really enjoy working with them, supporting them as they work toward their goals and watching them grow,” she said. “I want them to learn to advocate for themselves and to ask questions so when they move on to a job or to another institution they can meet challenges and be successful.”
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at KCKCC.