Cecilia Santiago-González, Assistant Vice President - Strategic Initiatives for Student Success, has been named an Outstanding Advising Administrator by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
NACADA's Excellence in Advising Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate qualities and practices that make significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. Santiago-González was nominated for the Region 9 award for her exceptional leadership, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her direction, Cal Poly Pomona coordinated a campus-wide strategy for student re-enrollment and support campaigns, expanded e-advising tools and technologies for faculty and staff, implemented campus-wide student progress reports, and oversaw converting first-year and transfer student advising for a virtual orientation.
"I am so thankful for this recognition and for my colleagues who took the time to nominate me," Santiago-González said. "Cal Poly Pomona has been my professional home for close to 13 years and has been a place that has given me many opportunities to make an impact on students and the campus community."
Santiago-González has been part of the CPP community since 2005. Since joining the Office of Student Success, Equity & Innovation in 2017, she has overseen the development and expansion of the Bronco Advising Center, Billy Chat, California Promise, CPP Connect, Early Support and Undeclared Advising programs. Alongside Associate Provost Terri Gomez, she is also responsible for the university's Graduation Initiative 2025 outcomes and serves as a co-principal investigator for Project CAMINOS.
"While I do not do this work to receive recognition, this award fills my heart with joy and motivates me to continue striving to be the best educator, leader, and colleague I can be," Santiago-González said. "Lastly, I want to acknowledge and thank my colleagues across campus who make my work possible. I am proud of what we have accomplished together in support of our students and university."
NACADA is the national professional organization for academic advising. The CPP advising community is heavily involved in NACADA national and regional activities and uses its core competencies to guide advising practices.