As Randolph-Macon wound down the 2020-2021 Academic Year, the College’s Higgins Academic Center honored two professors with awards recognizing their exceptional support of new students and tutoring, respectively. The critical support services for New Student Orientation & Transitions and Subject Tutoring & Learning Support, run by the Higgins Academic Center (HAC), are a significant component of Randolph-Macon College’s high-touch student support ecosystem. The faculty selected are nominated directly by students.  

Outstanding New Student Advocate

The HAC’s annual Outstanding New Student Advocate Award honors a staff/faculty member who provided exceptional guidance and encouragement to new students during their transition to Randolph-Macon.

Dr. Adrianna Tam, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, was presented the award by HAC Director, Annie Keith ’01, Director of New Student Orientation and Transitions. 

From Charting Your Course on Expedition RMC to Navigating the First Year, Captains provide students with an understanding of expectations, the tools needed for a smooth transition, and continuous opportunities for support. 

The Higgins Academic Center (HAC) solicited nominations from all new students and New Student Orientation & Transitions Captains (current students who orient and help new students navigate college life).

Many students expressed how Professor Tam supported them in their first year of college. In addition to her teaching duties, students noted that Tam always came to work with a smile and never made them “doubt” themselves.  She made sure they had breaks from singing to both rest and have fun.  Ultimately, Tam impacted the first-year experience at RMC by “making it a very joyful event.”

Adrianna Tam

“I am grateful and humbled by this award, knowing that I am in the company of many incredible colleagues who work tirelessly to support our students. If I could, I would give an award to each of our students, especially our new students, who have had to navigate the most change in a most unprecedented time. For these new students to recognize me, I only hope that I have made the smallest positive difference in their first year at Macon. To my dear, dear students, thank you for seeing me. I see you.”

Outstanding Tutor Advocate

The HAC’s annual Outstanding Tutor Advocate Award goes to a staff/faculty member who provided exceptional guidance, encouragement and support for the work of HAC tutors.

While navigating virtual tutoring and the changes created due a pandemic, RMC tutors rose to the challenge and created an atmosphere of support and collaboration for their peers. Tutors play an essential role in helping students pursue their academic potential and their efforts help improve the experience of our students. Their work contributes significantly to the college’s overall retention efforts.

Dr. Serge Schreiner, Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry, was presented the award by HAC Directors, Dr. Seth Clabough ’98, Director of the Communication Center and Morgan Merkel, Director of Subject Tutoring and Learning Support. 

This award stems solely from student recommendations and letters of support. Those who nominated Professor Schreiner noted that he encouraged his class to work with the Chemistry tutors when they were having trouble with content. Nominators also noted that he invited the Chemistry tutors to his classes to introduce themselves as the tutor for the course. The tutors felt not only supported by Professor Schreiner but encouraged when he would send his students to them, building their confidence as a tutor.    

Dr. Serge Schreiner 

“I am very honored to have received this award.  Tutors play a very important role in making difficult material more understandable to our students and by working with our students they are able to foster peer learning which complements the learning that happens in the classroom.”

The Higgins Academic Center
The HAC offers resources and programming to help students succeed academically. Located on the first floor of the McGraw-Page Library, the HAC is home to the offices of Disability Services, Advising Resources, New Student Orientation & Transitions, Subject Tutoring & Learning Support and the Communication Center.