George H. Blessis Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award 2006

Clarence L. Smith

Clarence Smith, assistant department head, lecturer, director of Undergraduate Programs, and undergraduate advisor in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has earned this award through his dedication to helping students.  A member of the NC State faculty for 28 years, Clarence believes that advising is “building a relationship with a student to mentor the student and nurture that student’s experience,” and his actions reflect that belief. 

Clarence is known as a valued and much beloved constant in his department.  His personable style and warm demeanor has made entering freshmen feel welcome and much at ease.  A natural “people person,” Clarence is able to guide students through both the academic and personal growth process that occurs during the college years.

One student writes, “When I first met Clarence, I distinctly remember being very glad I had chosen industrial engineering and excited to have him as my advisor.  He was always available to me when I wanted advice, needed help with a procedure, or simply wanted to stop in for a chat.”

In addition to his many administrative roles in the department, Clarence teaches the capstone senior design course in industrial and systems engineering.  He uses his experience in industry to inspire students to apply the classroom lessons to real world projects.

On behalf of the students and faculty of the College of Engineering, I am pleased to present Clarence Smith with the George H. Blessis Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award for 2006.

George H. Blessis Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award

Cecilia W. Townsend

Cecilia Townsend, coordinator of advising and lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has proven in many ways that she richly deserves the George H. Blessis Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award.  As the primary academic advisor for students in the department for the past 10 years, she has worked to update and improve the advising system to accommodate traditional and nontraditional students.

Since joining the department, Cecilia has set up an on-line advising system for students to submit course plans and work plans electronically.  She has also created a new evening advising program that allows working students to receive in-person advising.

In addition to her role of advisor to 1100 undergraduate students, Cecilia teaches a course every semester, serves as Co-op advisor, and serves on the admissions committee, the course and curriculum committee and the graduation committee.

Cecilia is known among both students and faculty as the person who will always help students succeed.  She is seen as the one who not only advises the students concerning curriculum requirements but also advises faculty concerning the needs of students.

On behalf of the students and faculty of the College of Engineering, I am pleased to present Cecilia Townsend with the George H. Blessis Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award for 2006.

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