Three University of Georgia academic advisors have received the 2025-2026 Outstanding Academic Advising Awards. Dani Andrews, Amber Fetner, and Tasneem Qadri were nominated by their School or College and selected by a committee of three student representatives from the Student Government Association (SGA) along with academic advisors from across campus.
Outstanding New Advisor
Dani Andrews, College of Engineering
Dani Andrews, UGA’s Outstanding New Advisor, advises more than 300 students in the College of Engineering.
Students have commended Andrews’s work, writing, “My whole day was improved after our last meeting,” “100% my favorite person at the school. Fully responsible for keeping me going in engineering,” and “She pays a lot of attention to my needs in and outside of school.”
During her time at the College of Engineering, Andrews has completed Academic Coach Training, the Certificate of Academic Advising, the Mentoring Advising Professionals Program, and is currently pursuing the Advanced Certificate of Academic Advising and the Support Dawgs Certificate.
Andrews also created and facilitated the 2025 professional development course, “Advising with Insight – Student Development Theories in Practice.” In 2025, Andrews was nominated for both the New Staff Award for Excellence for the College of Engineering and the Transfer Advocate Award.
“What I can say with full confidence is that Dani demonstrates a level of professionalism, skill, and student-centered leadership that far exceeds what is expected of an advisor with fewer than three years of experience,” said Litashia Carter, director of academic advising for the College of Engineering.
Andrews describes her advising philosophy as having a student-centered approach that fosters confidence, clarity, and agency in students’ academic journeys. Her work is guided by a strong foundation in student development theory and a commitment to staying engaged to best support students as they navigate their academic journeys. She believes that all her students have potential, the capacity for learning and the ability to achieve positive growth, and she wants all students to feel included and welcomed when they come through her doors.
“Dani’s interpersonal and human relations skills are among the strongest I have seen in my career,” Carter said. “Students consistently describe her as approachable, compassionate and deeply invested in their success.”
Andrews earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2012 and received her master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Colorado State University in 2019.
Outstanding Professional Advisor
Amber Fetner, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Amber Fetner, UGA’s Outstanding Professional Advisor, advises more than 200 students in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Fetner primarily works with first- and second-year students, advising more than 15 majors in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
“Amber truly exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding advisor,” said Angela Bowlus, senior director of the Franklin Office of Student Academic Services. “Through her continued commitment and dedication to her students, the programs she serves and her colleagues, she has shown what it means to be in a teaching and learning profession.”
This past year, Fetner helped organize Franklin First, an event for first-semester Franklin students to highlight the importance of advising and the welcoming nature of the advising office. Additionally, Fetner serves as a primary contact for students and alumni interested in careers in academic advising. She voluntarily meets with those interested in advising for informational interviews.
“Amber remains flexible and adaptable, taking on additional responsibilities even when it means having to quickly learn new requirements and courses, as was exemplified when she took on upper division advising in Psychology or Criminal Justice,” Bowlus said.
Active listening and student engagement are at the center of Fetner’s advising philosophy. She challenges students to thoughtfully explore their lives beyond academics, while building trust and fostering meaningful growth. Fetner aims to encourage students to reflect deeply on their strengths, values, and interests so they can make thoughtful, informed decisions.
Fetner hopes students can walk away from meetings feeling supported, empowered, and hopeful about their futures. She wants to be a familiar face for students and help them navigate any challenges.
Fetner earned her bachelor’s degree in music from Shorter University before receiving her master’s degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Chicago.
Excellence in Advising Special Populations
Tasneem Qadri, Pre-Professional Advising Office
Tasneem Qadri, the recipient of UGA’s Excellence in Advising Special Populations, advises more than 300 students who are on the Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) and Pre-Veterinary tracks for the Pre-Professional Advising Office. Qadri began working as an academic advisor in 2018, preparing pre-professional students to be compassionate and responsible practitioners.
“Tasneem Qadri exemplifies excellence in academic advising through her originality, initiative, and sustained impact,” said Amanda Spohn, Pre-Professional Advising Office coordinator. “She does more than enhance existing programs; she creates transformative experiences that expand student access, preparation and professional confidence.”
Qadri helped build the First Responder Health Disparities Awareness Program (FRHDA), which connects pre-health students with local first responders to examine real-world healthcare challenges through experiential learning.
Qadri also developed the UGA Pre-Professional Student Placement Program, which addresses longstanding barriers for pre-health students, including securing meaningful clinical and professional experience without existing connections.
For Pre-Vet students, Qadri developed the Foundation in Veterinary Ethics and Professional Responsibility program in collaboration with the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. The program is an eight-week certificate that emphasizes critical issues and real-world scenarios in veterinary medicine.
“Her vision, leadership, and dedication have profoundly shaped the trajectories of countless students, enabling them to enter professional school with competence, resilience, and ethical grounding,” Spohn said.
Qadri’s advising philosophy is centered on personalized guidance, empowerment, and a commitment to fostering academic and professional readiness. She aims to help students thrive in competitive and demanding environments. This philosophy is meant to help students identify their strengths, clarify their goals, and build the skills needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Qadri earned her bachelor of arts degree in recreation and leisure studies from Brock University and her bachelor of science in education from Walden University. She returned to Walden University for her master’s degree in human resource management.