The Office of Undergraduate Education is pleased to announce our 2024 Academic Success and Advising (ASA) Award recipients. ASA awards recognize the outstanding contributions of faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond to support our undergraduate students and improve retention, progression, and graduation.
Since 2004, Georgia Tech has formally recognized excellence in academic advising, an integral part of the academic culture at the Institute, ensuring a holistic experience for students. Champions in this work, one staff advisor and one faculty advisor, are honored, highlighting best practices and core values in advising.
New this year, the Office of Undergraduate Education launched the Complete College Georgia (CCG) Champion Award. CCG is the University System of Georgia’s statewide student success initiative to improve access to higher education and degree obtainment across the state. The CCG Champion Award recognizes one staff or faculty member who has made critical contributions to undergraduate student success, advancing the primary goals of CCG to improve the experience for Georgia Tech’s highest priority students while promoting our institutional values.
Members of ASA visited each awardee’s office for a surprise presentation throughout May and June. Meet the remarkable 2024 ASA award recipients!
Kristi Mehaffey, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Primary Role)
Kristi Mehaffey, a Georga Tech alum, is an Advising Manager with the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. Kristi’s dedication to the undergraduate students in Mechanical Engineering, her unwavering commitment to the growth and development of her advising team, and her service to the practice of academic advising has made her a key figure in retaining, empowering, and enriching the experiences of not only students within ME, but all Tech students. One of her advisees writes:
Kristi Mehaffey has truly been a guiding light for me. She goes above and beyond, working long hours and putting everything aside to help students like me. Whenever I faced a challenge, she met it head-on, always finding the best path forward for each of us. During one of the toughest moments I have faced, Kristi stepped into my life. She did not just offer to listen, but she was a constant source of support, helping me navigate the overwhelming emotions of grief. When I was struggling the most, lost in emotions, she kept my head up and made sure I didn’t lose sight of my academic goals, while also encouraging me.
Dr. Christina M. Ragan, School of Biological Sciences
Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Faculty Advisor)
Christina Ragan is an academic professional based in the School of Biological Sciences and works with the students, faculty, and staff in the Neuroscience undergraduate degree program. Christina's commitment to the wellbeing of students while also conducting research and teaching multiple courses each semester, makes her a shining example of a faculty member's role in academic advising at Georgia Tech. One of her advisees writes:
She is a phenomenal advisor, who exudes compassion and understanding with every conversation she has. Not only does she stay positive and engaged in building trusting relationships while motivating her students, but she also takes the time to get a holistic understanding of her advisees. Dr. Ragan will always ask stimulating questions pertaining to different parts of student life at GA Tech, outside of academic advising, which has personally made me extremely fond of her.
Ashton Tomlin, Office of Special Scholarships
Complete College Georgia (CCG) Champion Award
OUE’s inaugural CCG Champion is Ashton Tomlin, Senior Assistant Director in the Office of Special Scholarships. Ashton joined the Special Scholarships team in 2022, demonstrating her commitment to expanding access to students traditionally underrepresented in higher education by connecting financial aid and holistic student support. She has developed a support program for Tech Promise Scholars, ensuring student needs are fully understood. Ashton is praised by colleagues and students alike for her ability to connect with students and her tireless work to find the resources they need to succeed. Chaffee Viets, Director of the Office of Special Scholarships, shared:
Not only has she created almost from scratch the non-financial elements of the Tech Promise Scholars Program, but she has empowered and served Stamps President’s Scholars, Gold Scholars, students in Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech (through a partnership we have with them), and various others, some of each of these being from economically challenged backgrounds. Without her being here, there are several students who may well have failed out of classes or left the Institute.
The CCG Champion selection committee also recognizes the significant contributions of all award finalists:
- Frances Buser, Academic Advising Manager, H. Milton School of Industrial and System Engineering
- Laura Garcia, Director of Undergraduate Career Education, Georgia Tech Career Center
- Tristen Jones Hooker, Educational Outreach Manager, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Congratulations to all our ASA award recipients for 2024! You exemplify Georgia Tech’s values to amplify impact, expand access, and make students our top priority.