CoSci adviser’s performance earns award from Texas A&M president

As an academic adviser for the Texas A&M College of Architecture, Analicia Leiva has expertly guided the trajectory of hundreds of aspiring construction managers, helping them navigate academia so they can earn degrees leading to successful careers in the construction industry, and also playing an instrumental role in launching a new student organization for women in construction.

In recognition of her efforts, Leiva was one of 20 university advisers honored May 2, 2017 with the President’s Award for Academic Advising, presented at a Memorial Student Center ceremony.

“Your dedication to our students is unparalleled,” said Michael K. Young, Texas A&M president, during the ceremony. “Our students’ success flows from what you do, and the effects you have on these students will be felt for generations.”

Awardees are selected by a committee of three students and two university administrators tasked with recognizing outstanding individuals who exemplify the qualities and practices of exceptional academic advising and service to students.

Recipients of the award exhibit strong interpersonal skills, caring, helpful attitudes, a mastery of institutional regulations, policies, and procedures, and the ability to monitor student progress toward both academic and career goals.

Leiva’s exceptional service was noted in several letters recommending her for the award.

In the fall of 2015, as the college prepared to hire a third adviser to handle a growing number of construction science students, Leiva’s fellow construction science adviser took another job, leaving Leiva as the sole adviser for a program with more than 1,000 students.

“She stepped up and did an outstanding job until we could hire two additional advisers,” said David Wentling, the college’s director of student services.

In the fall 2016 semester, Leiva laid the foundation for what would become Aggie Women In Construction, a student group that aims to enhance the success of female students in the construction industry.

“She arranged meeting times for construction science students interested in establishing the group,” said student Vivian Medina, in a recommendation letter. “Our group’s events have helped members develop leadership and mentoring skills.”

Richard Nira
rnira@arch.tamu.edu