The School of Communication hired two new academic advisers after Kurt Gunderson and Farida Khatchadourian left their offices in May to pursue new professional opportunities, according to Jonnel Clothier, the school's director of undergraduate affairs.
Ashley Ackerley replaced Gunderson as the adviser to SOC students with last names beginning with letters G through O. Ackerley said she has been the school's faculty coordinator since August 2007 and replaced Gunderson on May 27.
She said she had a smooth transition into her new position.
"I am so grateful to already have strong relationships with the faculty and staff members in the SOC," she said.
Rachel Andrews replaced Khatchadourian as adviser to SOC students who have last names beginning with letters P to Z on May 12, according to Clothier.
Andrews said her transition into the position has been enjoyable.
"I haven't been more satisfied with a position in my life," she said.
Andrews said in an e-mail that she received a warm welcome from SOC faculty and students.
"I know some School of Communication students are not overly upset with the recent changes," she said in the e-mail. "I have had several welcoming e-mails from students - even students not seeking academic advising assistance!"
Khatchadourian and Gunderson notified students about the changes via e-mail and provided contact information if any student had questions, Clothier said.
Gunderson left to pursue a position with the State Department, which would foster his love for language and other cultures, Clothier said.
The State Department issued Khatchadourian a scholarship to go to Jordan this summer to be part of an Arabic language program. After the program, she will teach at a university in Morocco, Clothier said.
"It is challenging for any office to lose an experienced adviser, and to lose two at the same was even more of a challenge," she said. "But SOC was pleased to have Kurt and Farida on staff and we are thrilled for both of them."
The personnel changes in SOC are not uncommon, especially at this time during the academic year, because people retire or make job or career changes as the academic year winds down, Clothier said.
"Generally speaking, for some people advising is just a job, but for others it is a career," she said in an e-mail. "SOC is committed to staffing our office with advisers that have chosen this profession as their career and I think we have done so in our hiring of Rachel and Ashley"
