“Students are at the very center of everything we do at UMKC,” says Corrina Beck, academic advisor, School of Nursing and Health Studies and recipient of the Excellence in Student Success Staff Award. “I want the students to know they are not just a number to me or anyone else here, and I want them to treat people the same way when they go out into their various health fields.”

Beck’s co-workers nominated her for the award because they see her go above and beyond with each student with whom she comes in contact. They recognize that her focus makes the difference during her interactions with students.

“We worked together in the admissions office, and she made sure that every student that she admitted felt cared for and was treated professionally,” says Jennifer Lyles, academic advisor for the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and one of the people who nominated her.

Admired for her warm and professional approach to students and the tasks at hand, Beck is dedicated to helping students in the School of Nursing and Health Studies plan their paths from enrollment to graduation. A member of the Advising Leadership Team, Beck also provides feedback to the university’s Student Affairs and Enrollment Management team from the student perspective.

Beck thinks that it is important to tune out the background noise for the time she is with students.

“The students I advise have my complete attention.” Corrina Beck  

But Beck has not focused only on her work.  She recently completed her Masters in Higher Education Administration.  She is grateful that she had so many people support her in her efforts.

“I have an amazing support system, both at work and at home,” she says. “My family and friends knew how important it was to me to finish my masters, so they helped in every way they could to limit distractions at home and, yes, to listen to me vent when I needed it.  My coworkers and supervisor were incredibly supportive, as well, and were so flexible with me. I feel really lucky to have such many amazing people in my corner.” 

Beck was humbled and honored when she learned her co-workers had nominated her for this award.

“There are so many talented people working here who deserve awards, and to be considered for one of them left me speechless—and anyone who knows me knows that I am rarely speechless!”

Hunt thinks there is no one more deserving of this award.

“At times Corrina is not only an advisor, but a therapist, coach, friend or like a close family member.  She provides a level of mentoring that is unequaled at UMKC.”