Arletta Tompkins Wins Tany Norwood Award
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November 06, 2013
Arletta Tompkins, academic advising coordinator, received the prestigious Tany Norwood Award from the Friar Society on November 1. The annual award is granted to one deserving staff member from the university for their stellar service and commitment to student life. The award is named after Tany Norwood, who served as the organization’s longtime advisor and assistant dean of students.
As the oldest and most prestigious honor organization at UT Austin, the Friar Society welcomes award nominations from anyone in the university community. Tompkins was nominated by seven students, faculty and staff—a testament to the strong impact she has made during her time as an advisor.
Tompkins, who was awarded her 20-year service certificate from the university earlier this year, received the surprise announcement by six Friar Society student members, including UT PGE’s very own Tara Sharma. The group came bearing flowers, balloons and a plaque to honor Tompkins for her dedication to student success.
“As an advisor, there is no greater honor than to be nominated by your students for an award, because they feel you have been there for them and have tried your best to help them through their time as undergraduates,” said Tompkins. “I can’t think of anything more rewarding than knowing I have been a positive influence. I'm lucky to work with amazing students and am supported by great staff and faculty - I am ecstatic to receive the Friar’s Tany Norwood award.”
Cameron Donnell, a petroleum engineering senior, said Tompkins makes extra time for students and has been crucial to his success at UT PGE.
“No matter how busy she is or what program you are in, Arletta will make the time to advise you and help devise a plan to reach your goals,” he said. “Without her unique perspective and knowledge of the department, I would not have been able to make informed decisions at the start of each semester.”
Demonstrating her commitment to students on a daily basis, Tompkins is an invaluable resource to students.
“Arletta’s door is always open, and she is willing to share her knowledge about university rules - and she does it all with a smile,” Donnell said.
