NDSU graduate student Tricia Tauer has been recognized as a 2019 NASPA NOW Professional by NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Only 25 graduate students or new professionals receive the award each year.

 

She will be acknowledged during the group’s annual conference March 9-13 in Los Angeles.

 

Tauer, who is studying educational leadership, is a graduate service assistant in NDSU’s Student Success Programs. She has worked to redevelop the Rising Scholars program, which helps conditionally-admitted students succeed at NDSU. 

 

“I am so honored to accept this award and I am humbled by the kind words of the mentors who nominated me. I feel so supported by the campus community,” said Tauer, whose hometown is Becker.

 

“I feel so fortunate to study and work in a place with such a great culture. The work I get to do with the Rising Scholars Program is so rewarding; it is so great to see the positive impact we can make for students in their first semester at NDSU.”

 

Betsy Carter, assistant director for learning services and Tauer’s supervisor, praised the work of the graduate assistant. 

 

“Whether it’s helping to develop new programming aimed at student success or sharing a meaningful conversation with her students, Tricia is dedicated to connecting students to the skills and resources that will benefit their academics and campus experiences,” Carter said. 

 

“Tricia brings energy and passion to her work, and I’m thrilled to see her representing student affairs at NDSU at a national level.”

 

Colleen Dougherty, NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education recruitment, engagement and volunteerism coordinator, said Tauer was recognized for her work pertaining to the organization’s core value of innovation. “We are excited for you to join this group of new professionals and graduate students that will continue to develop and shape the future of NASPA and the student affairs profession,” Dougherty wrote in a letter announcing Tauer’s selection.

 

This is Tauer’s second honor from the group. At the organization’s regional conference in October, Tauer received the Rising Star Award for the state of North Dakota.

 

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