Christine Doty, Coordinator of Academic Advising for Troy University’s John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success, has received the University’s Teresa Penn Rodgers Award for Advising Excellence.

Rodgers, the award’s namesake, worked for Troy University for more than 30 years in a number of key student success roles, including the role of advisor. She consistently represented excellence in her work and was a staunch advocate for the needs of students.

Doty received the award during the John W. Schmidt Center open house and luncheon on Aug. 6.

“Over many years of dedicated service to the JWS Center for Student Success, Christine Doty has grown into a trusted leader as our Coordinator of Academic Advising,” said Lauren Cole, JWS Center Executive Director. “Her strong work ethic and genuine love of helping our students shine through in everything she does. We were especially proud to have Teresa Penn Rodgers present the award, named in her honor, to Christine, who embodies the spirit of what this award stands for. We’re grateful for Christine, her heart for TROY and the care she shows our students every day.”

A two-time TROY graduate, Doty received her bachelor’s degree in human services in 2016 and a master’s degree in strategic communications in 2018. She has been a member of the Troy University staff since 2014 and has served the JWS Center since 2018.

“I was completely shocked to receive the Teresa Penn Rodgers Excellence in Student Advising Award,” Doty said. “It is both humbling and meaningful to know that my supervisor believes in me and supports me in my role. I absolutely love working with students, and I am fortunate to be a part of such an incredible team of advisors. Being recognized for doing work that I truly love is one of the greatest compliments I could receive.”

Receiving the award from Rodgers, who was Doty’s first supervisor at TROY, was a special moment for Doty.

“I started working at Troy University 12 years ago as a secretary in Student Development, which at the time included Advising and Adaptive Needs, in the John W. Schmidt Center,” Doty said. “I worked under Mrs. Teresa ‘Mrs. T’ Rodgers, whose guidance and encouragement played a significant role in shaping my career. Mrs. T was instrumental in my journey at TROY and had a tremendous influence on my desire to become an academic advisor. Receiving this award from its namesake made the recognition even more meaningful. It was truly a full-circle moment, and one that I will always cherish.”

 Doty said she was grateful to Rodgers, Ivan Merritt, retired Associate Provost and Dean of First Year Studies Dr. Hal Fulmer, and current JWS Executive Director Lauren Cole for the support they have shown her during her time at TROY.

“I have been incredibly blessed that in every position I have held in the JWS Center I have been surrounded by people who have supported, encouraged and invested in me,” she said. “That same encouragement continues today, including from Lauren, whose nomination for this award means so much to me.”

Doty said she loves working with and showing support for TROY students.

“The most rewarding part of my job is supporting TROY’s students and being a voice for them when they are unable to advocate for themselves,” she said. “Having the opportunity to be that source of support, encouragement and guidance for students is something I do not take for granted.”