News
KCON's Mike Stoll Receives Prestigious Outstanding Academic Advising and Student Services Award
April 22, 2022
Photo by Amanda Pitts: Mike Stoll and his nominator, Director of the Office of Student Services, Kristin Norton.
Story by Shannon Dale
“Mike Stoll is an amazingly kind and considerate leader whom I’m grateful to have the privilege of knowing through all my years of schooling. I will never forget him formally calling to congratulate me on getting into the nursing program on my third try and reaffirming how great of a nurse I will soon become. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the help of Mike and his gifted ability to advise his students.” – Bailey Gardner, BSN Student
Mike Stoll, Senior Academic Advisor in the Kirkhof College of Nursing, is the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Academic Advising and Student Services Award from the Grand Valley State University Office of the Provost. This highly competitive recognition is bestowed upon one administrative professional and one faculty member each year.
When you meet with Mike Stoll’s nursing student advisees, like Bailey, it is immediately apparent that he has a significant impact on their Grand Valley experience. Mike is known across campus as a genuine leader and passionate advocate for student success.
Mike is a two-time graduate of Grand Valley and worked in Housing and Residence Life before joining the Kirkhof College of Nursing Office of Student Services as an Academic Advisor in 2015. Each year, Mike works with more than 450 students including traditional BSN, second degree BSN, and graduate students.
“There are a great deal of students who sincerely believe they would not have met their academic and career goals without Mike’s ongoing support,” explains Kristin Norton, Director of the KCON Office of Student Services. “He goes above and beyond to maintain connections with students, understand their goals, help them overcome obstacles, and provide enthusiastic support.”
Outside of his advising meetings, Mike often emails with students to follow up on their academic progress, overall wellness, or just to touch base to let a student know he cares and is interested in how they are doing.
“Mike's strong interpersonal skills evoke trust and respect. His genuine interest in the well-being of our students and his remarkable ability to remember each student's personal story connotes a sense of belonging that is foundational to the Laker experience,” shares Dr. Janet Winter, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in Nursing.
In addition to his advising role, Mike is a member of the KCON Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee, Curriculum Committee, Graduate Program Redesign Taskforce, the LAAN Standards Committee, and was instrumental in the development of the College’s Holistic Admissions process. Despite his other significant administrative responsibilities, he makes his work with students his first priority.
Mike’s work with students extends beyond KCON, across the university, and into the community.
Across campus, Mike serves as an advisor to the GVSU Rowing Team, works as a Title IX Investigator, welcomes new students at Freshman Orientation, and teaches a section of US 102. He is very involved with Boys State and has served as a Big Brother for many years. In the fall of 2021, Mike joined the RH2025 Steering Committee in representation of AP staff.
Mike’s impact isn’t only felt among his advisees, but in students across the program. He is known for walking the DCIH hallways or sitting in on a class to connect with students. When Mike knows a certain cohort has an exam, he is known to stand outside of the classroom while students are arriving to wish them luck or give a pep talk. Mike consistently goes out of his way to develop and enhance relationships with students.
“He is the best advisor that I have had, and it’s a cherished privilege to continue to have the opportunity to learn and grow under his guidance. I wish that every student could have a “Mike” in their corner,” shares KCON student, Josh Selwyn.
Mike was recognized for this significant honor by Interim Provost Chris Plouff and his nominator, Kristin Norton, at the 2022 AP Awards Ceremony on April 19, 2022.