Diantha Ellis, an associate professor in the Stafford School of Business, has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Excellence in Advising award at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Ellis has been advising ABAC students since 2008. She recently earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University, her Master of Laws, with honors, from Emory University and holds an MBA from Valdosta State University, BBA from Georgia Southwestern State University, and is an ABAC (class of 1998) alumna.

The criteria for the W. Bruce and Rosalyn Ray Donaldson Excellence in Advising Award includes strong interpersonal skills, a caring attitude toward advisees, mastery of institutional regulations and policies and procedures, the ability to engage in career and life planning versus simply course scheduling, and availability to advisees.

Other factors in considering this recognition include peer perception of nominee’s advising skills, and student advisee evaluations. This recognition includes a monetary award and commemorative plaque. It was first presented at the 2000 Honors Day ceremony.

One advisee summed up the advising skills of Ellis by saying, “She is just an amazing advisor. She always has this energy about her that is so welcoming.”

Another advisee said, “Availability and amiability are key features of her advising philosophy. She is a consummate professional who cares deeply about her advisees. Her character is impeccable, and her love for helping students is second to none. She is uniquely humble and derives joy from simply seeing her advisees succeed.”

A former student wrote, “Her passion for bettering the lives of ABAC students, coupled with her years of experience and boundless wisdom, make her an exceptional candidate. Her admiration and intentionality with students shape them professionally and personally.”

Ellis’ supervisor stated, “One must truly care, listen and guide to be a successful advisor. She exhibits these and other interpersonal skills quite strongly. She also has the skill to recognize potential in students who need a bit more polishing and kindly mentors and encourages them in their academic journey.”