2023 Service to Students Award - Heidi Swenson

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With a welcoming approach and a tireless work ethic, Heidi Swenson stands out as an advocate for students.
Heidi is an academic advisor for the Department of Technology, Design and Technical Education on USU’s Blanding campus. She is currently responsible for advising more than 100 students in at least 10 different academic programs on the Blanding, Moab, and other statewide campuses. She is passionate about helping her students navigate the system and succeed in their academic careers while helping them feel a sense of belonging on campus.
Heidi has a proven system for assisting students. She studies the academic programs and stays updated on program changes so she can advise with the utmost expertise. She is diligent and always willing to go out of her way to help faculty, staff members, and students.
Many of Heidi’s students are non-traditional and first-generation students. This makes her role even more important in their academic journeys as she guides students who have had little-to-no interaction with higher education before. With Heidi’s assistance, these students thrive in their college careers.
While working with students, Heidi has developed skills of recognizing her students’ specific struggles and aligning students with the right resources to help them succeed. Due to the unique nature of Utah State’s statewide campuses, Heidi works with over 40 supporting agencies and offices when coordinating resources for her students. Collaborating with these agencies is no small task, but Heidi works hard to make it a smooth process for all involved.
In recognition of her commitment to student success, we are pleased to honor Heidi Swenson with the 2023 Outstanding Service to Students Award.