Adrienne Cook, the graduate academic advisor in the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE), recently received the Staff International Educator of the Year Award at the college level by the UF International Center. Approximately 84 percent of the students Cook advises are international students.
The International Educator of the Year Awards honor the outstanding contributions of faculty and staff to the internationalization of the University of Florida and the impact of those contributions on students, international partners, and university stakeholders.
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me,” Cook said. “The work that I do has always been to make a difference in people’s lives. Receiving this award recognizes that I am successful in attaining my goal of helping students achieve their dreams.”
Cook has been an academic advisor for about 21 years. She previously spent 15 years as an undergraduate advisor in the UF Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and has been with CISE for six years. Currently, Cook advises more than 500 master’s students and 146 Ph.D. students. She said she believes that students need an advocate, especially the international students.
Cook’s advice for those interested in working as an advisor is to “be dedicated and make sure that this is truly your calling.” And for international students coming to UF, she says to “work hard and build bridges with other students and faculty. Be proud of your accomplishments and seek advice. Do not hesitate to see me.”
“Adrienne’s door is always open, which is representative of her heart and her commitment to the university,” said Jasmine Bowers, a 5th year Ph.D. candidate whose research focuses on digital finance privacy and security. “Many times, I enter her office with a heavy heart, but leave feeling encouraged, thanks to her wisdom and inspiration.”
Cook is a double Gator, receiving her bachelor’s degree from the College of Health & Human Performance and her master’s degree from the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).
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