Boyer Center Welcomes New Advisor
Posted on 9/12/2007
Alexis Hurdle began work in August as an academic advisor in the Boyer Center for Student Services. She received a master’s degree in higher education leadership in May from the University of Arkansas and had been working for the American Cancer Society. 
“I really wanted to be back on campus,” she said. “I enjoy the atmosphere of being with students. It’s a fresh and challenging environment. There’s such spontaneity – each student has a different story.”
Alexis earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in Spanish, also from the University of Arkansas. She grew up in Wiener, a small town about 20 miles south of Jonesboro. Although most of her classmates attended Arkansas State University, she was drawn to Fayetteville and credits her academic advisor with sparking her interest in working with students as a career. As an undergraduate, she was involved in many activities on campus as well as studying abroad. Her first experience in student affairs came from working as a graduate assistant for the Greek Life office.
“Now I’ve moved to academic affairs, and I feel like it will be a wonderful fit,” she said.
Established in 1993, the Boyer Center for Student Services’ primary goal is to enhance the academic success, retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students in the College of Education and Health Professions. It is responsible for conducting orientation sessions for students during the summer.
Barbara Goodman directs the center. Other advisors are Diana McGruder and Michael Sturtevant.
Students with fewer than 45 completed hours and all pre-nursing students are advised in the Boyer Center by an academic adviser who will assist them throughout their educational career by providing accurate and personalized academic information, educating them about their academic responsibilities and referring them to the internal and external resources and services of the university. A faculty advisor within the major department advises students with 45 or more completed hours. Boyer Center advisors also assist students with:
- Developing class schedules.
- Clarifying education plans and career goals.
- Interpreting university policies and procedures.
- Locating tutoring and academic support.
- Understanding degree requirements.
- Interpreting the academic advisor transcript report.
- Progressing toward the ultimate goal of graduation.
The Boyer Center is on the college’s Web site at http://boyer.uark.edu/. The center also coordinates the college’s student ambassador program.
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