Faculty member recognized for dedication to students
March 31, 2008
A national organization dedicated to enhance the educational development of students has recognized the Bagley College of Engineering’s mechanical engineering undergraduate program coordinator for excellence in advising.
Mary C. Emplaincourt, an instructor in mechanical engineering, has received the Outstanding Faculty Advising award in Region IV of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) at the groups regional meeting in Mobile, Ala. Region IV of the organization is comprised of institutes of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and the Caribbean.
“I’m very excited to have received this recognition and to know that our success in mechanical engineering is recognized by my peers,” Emplaincourt said. “This is truly a great honor.”
This NACADA award recognizes Emplaincourt’s dedication in academic advising and the success of the students with whom she works. As the undergraduate coordinator for the department of mechanical engineering, she works as an advocate for mechanical engineering students to ensure that they fulfill their goals while at Mississippi State. During her 16 years in the position, she has worked with students and faculty on improving retention, successful transcript evaluation, student orientation, and recruitment.
Earlier this year, Emplaincourt was awarded MSU’s 2008 Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Faculty Advising award, which lead to her nomination for NACADA’s regional award.
One nomination form for the university award described her as, “a passionate advocate for students who does a great job in nurturing them to graduation and into the workforce.”
Emplaincourt began teaching at Mississippi State in 1990 after working in industry as an industrial engineer. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama and earned a master’s degree with an emphasis on industrial engineering from MSU in 1984.
The National Academic Advising Association is a national organization with a mission to advance the knowledge and understanding of the role of academic advisors. Its membership includes advisors, faculty, counselors, administrators, and students representing educational institutions across the country.