BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Anna Cremaldi, associate professor of philosophy in the Appalachian State University Department of Philosophy and Religion, is the recipient of the 2024-25 Excellence in Academic Advising Award. She was presented with the award at the Undergraduate Advising Council (UAC) All Advisors Meeting on October 1.
The Excellence in Academic Advising Awards were established in 2019 by the UAC, a group that recommends and promotes best practices for academic advising that are well-organized, comprehensive, and consistent across every college. The awards are presented annually to a faculty advisor, a professional advisor, and a student support professional who exemplify excellence in academic advising.
Dr. Cremaldi joined App State's Department of Philosophy and Religion in 2011, after earning her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a scholar of environmental ethics and ancient Greek ethics who has published in a variety of philosophy journals, including Epoché: A Journal for the History of Philosophy, the Journal of Social Philosophy, and the British Journal of Aesthetics. Throughout her career at App State, Cremaldi has served as an academic advisor for more than 50 philosophy majors.
In their nomination letter, a colleague praised Cremaldi for her consistently warm and supportive approach to advising, guiding students from their first welcome email through graduation. They noted how she provides accurate and current information on program requirements, helps students plan their academic and career paths, and connects students with university resources for success and well-being. Their letter emphasized how her commitment to staying informed on evolving policies and regularly checking advisee progress toward graduation reflects her dedication to her role.
The colleague wrote, "Dr. Cremaldi continually supports student development through these types of engagement, as described above, and works to foster a genuine sense of community and empowered learning and belonging in her classes, which virtually all of her advisees take. This helps students to feel at home in our department and at the university as a whole."
In a heartfelt letter, a former advisee described Cremaldi as "a singular and monumental figure" in their academic journey. They went on to explain that several challenges, including issues with their transfer credits and damage to their housing from Hurricane Helene, created uncertainty about their ability to graduate on time.
"I could not handle the thought of the rug being pulled out from under me so close to graduation, and could not figure out how to change all of my plans in a few months' time. It turns out, I did not need to. I did graduate on time. Due to, and ONLY due to, Dr. Cremaldi’s incredible tenacity, care, passion, and effort." wrote the nominator. "While Dr. Cremaldi was raising a young child, working on publications, taking care of many other advisees, teaching multiple courses, and being a full-time faculty member in our department, she was simultaneously figuring out and advocating for me through a situation she had never seen before."
They requested of the review committee, "Please take note of how rare this type of person is...I have met incredible people during my time at Appalachian. People who constantly inspire, people who I admire, people who I have been lucky to even sit in the same room with. And yet, Dr. Cremaldi stands as one-of-a-kind. She exemplifies excellence. She exemplifies the accessibility and passion the university seeks to imbue onto their systems, their teachers, their students."
A former student echoed the other nominators, writing, "Dr. Cremaldi has been more than an advisor, she’s been a lifeline. During a tough semester when I had to go fully remote, she supported me without hesitation, making sure I stayed on track and felt seen. She always gave accurate, honest guidance and checked in with genuine care...She’s the kind of advisor who helps you grow academically and personally, and I truly don’t think I’d be where I am without her."
Congratulations to Dr. Cremaldi! Award recipients receive a plaque and a monetary stipend and are eligible to receive the award again three years after winning. To learn more about the URC's Excellence in Academic Advising Awards, visit uac.appstate.edu/advising-awards.
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About the Department of Philosophy and Religion
The Department of Philosophy and Religion invites students to explore the world, examine beliefs, understand a diversity of worldviews, and challenge the ideas and values that instruct our lives. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, as well as a minor in both of these areas. Learn more at philrel.appstate.edu.
About University College
Formed in 2007, University College consists of the university’s general education program, faculty and student support, and co-curricular programming and support – all designed to support the work of students both inside and outside the classroom. All students at Appalachian begin their education in University College and benefit from its programs until they graduate. Learn more at universitycollege.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
October 29, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
Dr. Anna Cremaldi is an associate professor of philosophy in the Appalachian State University Department of Philosophy and Religion. Photo submitted
Dr. Anna Cremaldi is an associate professor of philosophy in the Appalachian State University Department of Philosophy and Religion. Photo submitted