Carol Putman, an associate teaching professor of management at Penn State Behrend, has been awarded the Excellence in Academic Advising Award. Here, she is pictured with Behrend Chancellor Ralph Ford, who presented her with the Guy W. Wilson Excellence in Academic Advising Award in 2023.
ERIE, Pa. — At some time in their college experience, nearly every student has a moment when they are unsure of their next move. They may be considering a change of major. They may be doing poorly in a class or are experiencing a crisis of confidence. Peers and parents can offer comfort, but it’s often a student’s faculty adviser who can help fix what might seem overwhelming or insurmountable to the advisee.
Carol Putman, associate teaching professor of management at Penn State Behrend, has been teaching and guiding business students for more than 20 years. She has advised hundreds, if not thousands, of students, including five who recently nominated her for the University’s Excellence in Academic Advising Award.
Putman received the award this spring, at a program that featured University President Neeli Bendapudi.
Putman said it takes a lot of time and empathy to guide students, but the work offers a high return on investment.
“I enjoy witnessing each student’s growth, especially the strength they develop by overcoming obstacles, the maturity they display after an internship experience, and the confidence they gain by the time they graduate,” she said.
Penn State News talked with Putman about the important role of faculty advisers and what she has learned while guiding students over more than two decades.
Q: What majors do you typically advise?
Putman: I advise interdisciplinary business with engineering studies (IBE) majors, including those who double-major in project and supply chain management or finance.
Q: You have as many as 70 advisees at one time. How do you keep up with them?
Putman: Beyond my advisees, I also meet with students interested in changing to the IBE major, so I use a few tools in addition to Penn State’s LionPath and Starfish to stay organized. For communication, I use a Canvas site to share job opportunities, advising announcements and important information in a timely manner. For keeping track, I have a master spreadsheet with names, intended graduation years and important notes. This has the added benefit of helping me know how many sponsored projects are needed for the IBE capstone course each year.
Q: What is the key to being a good adviser?
Putman: Getting to know the student on an individual level. Every student has unique abilities and challenges, and what is right for one may not be right for another.
Q: What have you learned in 20 years of advising?
Putman: To guide students along an often-winding academic path, you must stay positive and encouraging. Academic challenges become blips on the radar, compared to the unique success each student achieves in the long run.
Q: What should students know about working with their adviser?
Putman: The adviser’s role is to guide, not to make decisions for a student. We can’t and won’t tell you what to do. So, be prepared to ask questions that can help you make informed decisions for yourself.
Q: Did you have a good adviser when you were a student? Has that helped you?
Putman: The curriculum for my major when I was in college was set for each semester, so my adviser helped with professional development and career choices. I remember those conversations to this day, and I try to be as supportive and helpful as my advisers were.
Heather Cass
Publications and design coordinator
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
