Tahmina Rahman in George Mason University’s Honors College has been named the V. Ann Lewis Academic Advisor of the Year, in recognition of outstanding care and commitment to supporting undergraduates’ academic achievement.
Nearly 800 students nominated 130 advisors from across the university for the award.
“Winning this award is a reminder of the generosity and kindness of my students,” Rahman said. “I have always been blessed to work with wonderful students, and the Honors College students at Mason have been among the most kind, respectful, and amazing students I have worked with thus far in my career.”
Rahman, who is originally from Bangladesh and immigrated to the United States at age 6, said working with students and helping them persevere and achieve in their academic journey is her favorite part of the job.
When Hannah Milikich, a junior double-majoring in biology and chemistry, went to her first academic advising appointment, she said she was very nervous and did not know what to expect. But Rahman’s kind and welcoming nature immediately put her at ease.
“Ms. Rahman helped me figure out everything I needed to know about my schedule and how to prepare for classes moving forward,” Milikich said.
“I love how proactive she is, which she always shows by asking questions about my future plans and how I want to prepare,” Milikich said, adding that if Rahman wasn’t an expert in a specific area, she would do the research and refer her to people and resources who could help. “You really can’t find a better, more helpful advisor.”
In Rahman’s nominations, students also wrote about how she has also been a source of support, motivating them to strive for their personal best.
“This award wouldn’t have been possible without the support, unconditional love, and welcoming spirit of my Honors College colleagues, my supervisor Vanessa Correa, and the advising community at Mason,” Rahman said. “I wouldn’t be able to effectively advise my students if I couldn’t lean on and learn from my colleagues.”
The top 10 Mason advisors who received the most student nominations were also recognized by the university:
- Robert Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Michael Hurley, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Claudia Borke, College of Engineering and Computing
- Krystal Dains, College of Engineering and Computing
- Jaclyn Beasley, School of Business
- Maria Perez, College of Health and Human Services
- Valerie Olmo, College of Science
- Thomas Winston, College of Engineering and Computing
- Sara Simanski, College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Lori Yi, College of Visual and Performing Arts