Getting to know adviser Shanny Wilson
Shanny Wilson has worked at USU Eastern 14 years. She originally was hired as one of the first high school relations recruiters for CEU; then in 1999, she applied for and became the CEU Prehistoric Museum gift shop manager.
While working at the museum, the former director of academic advising came to her and asked her to apply for an advising position. She did and shortly after being hired, was promoted to assistant director of academic advising and orientation. In November 2005, the director position opened and Wilson was promoted again.
This archived article was written by: Kadi Snyder
Shanny Wilson has worked at USU Eastern 14 years. She originally was hired as one of the first high school relations recruiters for CEU; then in 1999, she applied for and became the CEU Prehistoric Museum gift shop manager.
While working at the museum, the former director of academic advising came to her and asked her to apply for an advising position. She did and shortly after being hired, was promoted to assistant director of academic advising and orientation. In November 2005, the director position opened and Wilson was promoted again.
Wilson was well qualified for this position. She graduated Utah State University with a double major in journalism and public relations. She was recognized for 10 years of outstanding service to CEU, an active member of the National Academic Advising Association, and elected president of the Utah Advising & Orientation Association (UAOA) in 2009. UAOA is a state-wide non-profit organization of over 300 members and Wilson oversaw the governing committee, public relations and annual conference.
The advising center does a lot more than help students with their schedules. Some of the tasks Wilson is required to do as director include; oversee advising staff, degree planning, new student orientation and welcoming day, teach college success skill courses and student success workshops, answer general and specific questions about programs, identify students who are “at-risk” and/or fall below a 2.0 GPA offering them help and support.
“I know the influence I have in helping others identify, pursue and achieve their academic goals,” Wilson explains.
With recent changes to student services, the advising center is assisting students with career advising and working closely with USU Logan in helping international students.
They recently were able to hire a full-time office assistant, “and then there were four, having someone at the front desk to meet and greet students has already made a world of difference,” Wilson says.
A few years ago, the adviser- to- student ratio was 1 in 1,000 and now the ratio is 1 in 700 which is great for both students and advisers. “I am very fortunate to have more help and such an amazing, dedicated staff.”
“I was diagnosed with Celiac three years ago and maintain a pretty strict gluten-free diet. Celiac is a multi-symptom, multi-system disorder activated by eating gluten which are proteins found in wheat, rye and barley.
“My 9-year-old daughter Kayla also has Celiac.
“If money were no object I would sell everything, buy a houseboat and live on Lake Powell,” she said. “Lake Powell is my heaven on Earth. If I could be anything in the world it would be a famous water skier.”
Wilson admits to reading three to four books a month and love a good mystery. “I’m reading Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb ‘Death by’ series and just finished #8 ‘Conspiracy by Death’ of 36.”
She loves the sunshine. “which is also my nick-name, sunflowers, camping and spending time with my kids.”
Wilson strives to keep a positive, friendly atmosphere where students feel comfortable exploring options and making decisions.
She has had an impact in many students’ paths and will continue to change our perspectives and our lives.
