BOONE, N.C. — Gwendolyn Zugarek, lecturer in the Appalachian State University Department of Sociology, is the recipient of the 2025–26 Excellence in Academic Advising Award. She was presented with the award at the Undergraduate Advising Council (UAC) All Advisors Meeting on September 30.
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.
Zugarek joined App State's Department of Sociology in 2021. She earned her B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and her M.A. in Sociology from Bowling Green State University. Before entering higher education, Zugarek worked as a licensed practical nurse and later served as executive director of a homeless resource center, where she applied sociological principles to train volunteers and student interns and support individuals experiencing homelessness. Her teaching and research interests include family, demography, health, and aging.
In their nomination letters, students and colleagues consistently praised Zugarek for her compassionate, individualized approach to advising and her willingness to go beyond academic planning to support students' broader goals and well-being. They described an advisor who routinely meets with students multiple times each semester, helps them navigate university requirements and challenges, connects them with campus resources, and works with them to develop academic and professional plans.
A student wrote, "Ms. Z is the best advisor I have ever had. She is super knowledgeable about all of App State's graduation requirements and also about graduate schools." The student, who is considering Ph.D. programs, said Zugarek provided guidance on the application process while also helping them plan a course schedule tailored to their circumstances. "She is super sweet and caring and takes an interest in every student she advises. I wish we had more advisors like her."
Another student described how Zugarek advocated for them as they encountered obstacles while pursuing a double major, departmental honors in both majors, and a minor. When the student faced the possibility of losing their minor and later encountered difficulties pursuing honors, Zugarek helped them navigate university processes and advocated on their behalf.
"She has fought for me when no one else has, ensured that I stayed on track, and supported me when things got hard," the student wrote. "I can confidently say that without [Zugarek], I wouldn't be where I am today. It is because of the work and support I received from [her] that I am graduating in four days with a double major, double departmental honors, and a minor."
Zugarek's colleagues echoed those sentiments, noting that her advising extends well beyond the required once-per-semester appointment. They described her as someone who makes herself available to students throughout the year and takes time to understand their individual circumstances, concerns, and aspirations.
"Gwen sees the advising meeting as an opportunity to check in with students and listen to them," one colleague wrote. "In addition to advising on their schedule, Gwen takes the time to learn how her advisees' semesters are going, whether they have any new concerns or plans, what is going well, and where they might need help. Gwen also talks to students about professional skills, such as resume building and the importance of making connections for letters of recommendation. These meetings often take close to an hour."
Another colleague highlighted Zugarek's persistence in advocating for the student pursuing a double major, departmental honors in both majors, and a minor. "Gwen consistently met with them, provided reassurance, [and] reached out to other faculty [and] chairs...who could assist in providing answers," the colleague wrote. "Through it all, Gwen was always helpful, positive, and reassuring to the student...She brings that level of dedication to every student she works with."
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 Sociology
The Department of Sociology offers a Bachelor of Arts and seven Bachelor of Science concentrations (applied research methods; criminology; families and intimate relationships; health and aging; power and social change; social inequalities; and individually designed, which requires departmental approval). The department also offers minors in sociology and health and aging. Learn more about App State's Department of Sociology
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 about App State's University College
By Lauren Gibbs
October 8, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Studio portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair and patterned glasses, wearing a charcoal cardigan and olive top against a black background.
Gwendolyn Zugarek is a lecturer in the Appalachian State University Department of Sociology. Photo by University Communications