Janet Mallery, professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education at La Sierra University, has been selected as an Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit recipient in the Faculty Academic Advising category from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) as part of the 2004 awards program.

“My philosophy of advising is built upon my organizing principle that the students are the most important element in the process of advising,” says Mallery. “Advising, to me, means to know and understand the person with whom I am working. It is to know where the student wants to go with his or her life, and then help the student develop as a person.”

“She was not merely an advisor or teacher; she was my mentor and friend,” says Traviett Jernigan, LSU Human Resources Analyst and Student Employment Coordinator and La Sierra graduate student. “She understood me from the perspective of a women, a mother and a student.”

“Janet Mallery is the kind of teacher and mentor you dream of having for your students,” says Lawrence T. Geraty, LSU president. “Bright, capable and dependable, she is always ‘there’ for her students — listening, caring, inspiring, guiding and mentoring. She helps students believe in themselves and gives them the necessary tools to succeed in an academic environment. Calm and thoughtful, no problem ever seems to fluster her; she demonstrates how problems can become stepping-stones to meaningful experiences for learning and growing. How fortunate the world is that she is helping to educate the next crop of teachers!”

“Dr. Mallery demonstrates a strong commitment to her advisees through being available for consultation, and a determination to help them reach their personal and professional goals,” says Anita Oliver, chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. “She consistently meets appointments with students and gives them her home phone number and e-mail address so that they can reach her when they need her.”

“I really love working with Janet because over the years she has been a person that I can count on to give me the correct answers,” says Iris Landa, director of advising and orientation. “Liberal studies majors and graduate students in education demand an incredible amount of time, as the California teaching credential requirements are extremely complex and constantly changing.”

“Dr. Janet Mallery is a highlight of my experience at La Sierra University,” says Jeri-lee Hahn, who is now serving as art educator at Loma Linda Academy. “I feel that God’s providence was smiling on me when I was allowed to have her as my advisor.”

Mallery earned her bachelor of science in elementary education from La Sierra College, a master of arts in elementary education, an education specialist in curriculum and leadership and a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction all from Loma Linda University.

Mallery is the 15th La Sierra University employee to be recognized by the NACADA. She’ll receive her award during October in Ohio. NACADA, in cooperation with ACT, Inc., has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising since 1983.