PACADA honors three academic advisors for outstanding work

Three academic advisors were recognized by the Purdue Academic Advising Association (PACADA) on Feb. 19 during its annual business meeting.

Jenna Wargo, Outstanding Advisor Award recipient, Joshua Delgado, Outstanding New Professional Award recipient, and Jaclyn Palm, Spirit of PACADA Award recipient, were honored for their dedication to student success and active involvement in the campus community.

Outstanding Advisor: Jenna Wargo

Since joining the Mitch Daniels School of Business as an academic advisor in 2011, Jenna Wargo has made it her mission to build meaningful relationships that positively impact the lives, college experiences and future careers of Purdue students.

Wargo strives to craft a respectful, compassionate environment where students feel empowered to share their unique interests, challenges and goals. She expertly tailors conversations to fit each of her advisees’ needs, offering unwavering personal, academic and professional support and resources along the way.

“She helps with much more than what is expected of an advisor, and she genuinely cares about my well-being,” one student nominator wrote. “I can tell in our conversations that she wants me to succeed because she believes in me — not just because it’s her job. Her kindness, empathy and dedication have made a huge different in my college experience.”

While balancing all of her responsibilities as assistant director of undergraduate advising, Wargo remains committed to expanding her knowledge of the field by participating in advisor assemblies, campus workshops, conferences and initiatives like Advisor Development and Professional Training. She has taken the lead in organizing her office’s comprehensive training program, assembling a team that onboards new advisors and makes them feel welcome. Wargo also oversees the process for students changing their major into the Daniels School.

By prioritizing the needs of both her colleagues and students, Wargo has helped shape the culture of advising within her office, and her genuine passion in helping others succeed is a trait that never goes unnoticed.

“What sets Jenna apart is her professionalism, positive attitude and commitment to the success of everyone she encounters,” one nominator wrote. “She approaches each individual with empathy, respect and an authentic desire to help them reach their full potential.”

Outstanding New Professional: Joshua Delgado

As a Purdue Promise student success coach, Joshua Delgado plays a critical role in encouraging and motivating undergraduate students to achieve their academic, personal and professional goals during their time on campus.

Delgado has spent the past two years supporting Purdue students at both their lowest and highest, offering honest advice and steady guidance as they navigate the intricacies of college life.

He approaches each meeting with a focus on the whole student, asking important questions that touch on their life outside of class, delivering honest and direct feedback, and building a strong rapport they can turn to during any challenge they’re facing.

“Joshua has been more than just a mentor; he has been a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope,” one student nominator wrote. “His dedication to helping students succeed, both personally and academically, is truly inspiring. I am incredibly grateful for his support and guidance, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”

When Delgado isn’t meeting with students as a success coach, he’s out and about on campus, where he teaches Purdue Promise’s course for first-year students, advises three student organizations and serves as a University Residences Faculty Fellow.

Delgado’s dedication to immersing himself in the campus community is matched by his commitment to continually enhancing his skill set through attendance at training sessions, summits and off-campus conferences. His strong desire to grow and learn within his current role has set himself — and his students — up for success.

“Josh has done so much to grow within this field,” one nominator wrote. “He has shown a tremendous passion for the work he does to ensure he can be the best version of himself for his students.”

Spirit of PACADA: Jaclyn Palm

For over 12 years, Jaclyn Palm’s insightful guidance as a lead academic advisor in the College of Health and Human Sciences has been instrumental in helping countless students navigate their way toward success.

Her advising approach could be compared to that of a travel guide, laying out all the opportunities and resources available at the university and directing students toward those that align with their goals as they embark on their journey toward graduation.

“From thoughtfully pulling out a chair for each student who enters her office to answering countless emails daily with remarkable efficiency and accuracy, she demonstrates genuine care and dedication,” one student nominator wrote. “Jaclyn’s kindness and deep concern for her students shine through in every conversation.”

Palm’s care for her students is always present in her actions. When a student shared details with her about an event planning assignment for one of their courses, Palm offered suggestions to help spread the word — which led to the project being featured on the local news — and even attended the event, held off-campus on a weekend.

Outside of her advising responsibilities, Palm regularly seeks out and participates in a wide variety of professional development opportunities. Attending workshops and trainings and serving as a member of PACADA and the university’s Management and Professional Staff Advisory Committee has allowed her to build a network of connections and resources that she leans on when helping plan her students’ academic journeys.

“She knows the university policies, has connections across campus, understands the value of professional development and leads by example,” one nominator wrote. “Jaclyn Palm is the type of academic advisor that every Purdue student deserves.”