We congratulate senior academic advising specialist Megan Woodruff for being recognized with the university’s 2025 Staff Mentorship Award.
The Staff Mentorship Award recognizes up to two staff members per year who serve as role models by inspiring colleagues and/or promoting professional development among colleagues. These staff members, informally or formally, provide mentorship by being available to colleagues for support and sharing tips/resources for navigating higher education field/job functions. They’re known as go-to resources on campus.
Criteria for the award includes being a regular staff member at least 51% time or a full-time temporary staff member; demonstrating recognition on campus by colleagues as a mentor and resource for other colleagues; providing mentorship through informal pathways and/or formal meetings to colleagues at NIU; and continuing to demonstrate willingness to elevate and support colleagues at NIU.
A quick look at some of Woodruff’s recent accomplishments illustrates the impact she has made in her department and on campus. From leading professional development sessions at advisor retreats to creating COB advising staff awards to helping onboard new staff to serving on campus committees and being a go-to resource for the broader NIU advising community, Woodruff has made a noticeable and positive difference.
Margee Myles, director of the LRS Undergraduate Student Success Center, nominated Woodruff and says her dedication is an example to others.
“Megan has aways been a standout staff member, looking for ways to contribute to the advancement of advising on our campus,” says Myles. “She is recognized campus wide as a person always willing to share, support, and guide her colleagues.”
Shannon Gates, an academic advisor in the College of Business, has worked with Woodruff for nearly 20 years and says she is a trusted and well-respected colleague.
“She is well-informed, knowledgeable, thorough, eager to learn, thoughtful and insightful,” Gates says. “More importantly, she is open, eager and willing to share this knowledge and information, through the training and supporting of her peers and colleagues across campus”
Nicole Holland, advising director in the College of Health and Human Sciences, has known and worked with Woodruff for more than 10 years and says this recognition is no surprise.
“Megan is well known as a leader in the NIU Advising community and has served on the advising council, SPS Council, and in other leadership roles,” Holland says. “She actively participates in professional development activities and engages with advising teams outside of her area. Her extensive knowledge of NIU policies and procedures is as apparent as her willingness to help students and her colleagues. She brings new ideas to the table, is a valued resource to her peers and a friendly face who clearly cares about our NIU community.”
