University Park, Pa. -- Phillip Clauer, senior instructor in poultry science, is the recipient of this year's Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Excellence in Academic Advising Award.
Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society, the award recognizes faculty members for overall effectiveness in student advising, individual student goal-setting and career planning, and personal counseling. Candidates are recommended by faculty, students, administrators and alumni.
Since 2002, Clauer has mentored many Animal Sciences students, including several with minors in Poultry and Avian Science. He also has supervised Schreyer Honors College thesis work and has coached nationally recognized agricultural clubs. In 2006 he was named Club Advisor of the Year.
"Phil is an outstanding advisor and a marvelous undergraduate recruiter. I have not met anyone during my professional career who is more passionate about serving students," said Robert Elkin, professor and head of the Department of Poultry Science. "He cares deeply about helping our students become successful in the classroom and in life."
And Clauer's students are successful; all of his advisees are required to have a resume on file and are strongly encouraged to apply for practical experience or internships. He coordinates the Animal Sciences major's for-credit internship program, which enrolls as many as 20 students annually. More than 50 non-poultry science students come to Clauer for advice on procuring an internship annually.
"His vast knowledge of the poultry industry and connection with employers is invaluable," said Jana Peters, advising coordinator in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science. "He is really adept at developing the complete college graduate, one who is ready to hit the ground running after earning their degree."
Some of Clauer's successful students include Kevin Kreider, who is currently a production manager at Kreider Farms Egg Division in Manheim, Pa., and Megan Lighty, who is now a student at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. Other students Clauer has advised are studying or planning to study at prestigious graduate programs or working in the animal-science field.
"Even in this awful economy, I had many job offers in the poultry industry, and I was able to choose one close to home," said Kreider. He was involved in the Poultry Science Club and the Poultry Judging Team, both of which were advised by Clauer. Kreider credits the judging team's success at various competitions to Clauer's excellent coaching. "Being a part of all those activities really made senior year my best year in college, and one I will always remember," said Kreider.