By Scout Nelson
For Sara Winn, a career in environmental planning once seemed like the obvious choice after completing her studies. Instead, she found her calling in academic advising, where she has spent nearly two decades helping students achieve their educational and professional goals at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Winn serves as a student success specialist in the School of Natural Resources within the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). She works closely with students pursuing degrees in natural resources, environmental studies and sustainability, helping them navigate academic requirements and access support resources.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is watching students grow and succeed. “It’s very rewarding, those moments when you watch your students graduate, get their first job,” Winn said. “You know you’ve had the privilege of helping them become young adults, reach their goals and contribute to their success.”
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumna, Winn earned a bachelor's degree in geography and a master's degree in community and regional planning. She joined the university as an academic adviser in 2006 and has since built a career focused on student development and success.
During her early years, Winn benefited from mentors and professional training opportunities that helped her better understand the advising profession. She credits those experiences with shaping her approach to supporting students and guiding them through important academic and personal decisions.
Winn believes that effective advising starts with understanding each student's goals, interests and aspirations. By building strong relationships, she can connect students with the resources and opportunities that best support their individual paths.
“From the day students start at the university until the day they graduate, I’m here to help them,” she said. “I want to make sure when they graduate, they’re ready and prepared for that next step. I want to get to know my students so I can help them better and understand they have unique goals.”
She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration among advisers, faculty members and other campus support professionals. According to Winn, a strong network of support helps students overcome challenges and discover opportunities that can shape their futures.
Her commitment to student success recently earned her the Outstanding Advisor Award from NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, an international organization representing academic advisers worldwide.
Although her career did not follow the environmental planning path she initially envisioned, Winn remains connected to the field through the students she mentors. Their contributions to environmental stewardship and natural resource conservation are, she says, a source of pride and an enduring legacy of her work.
Photo Credit: university of nebraska-lincoln
Categories: Nebraska, Education