CSUSB alumnus Eduardo Mendoza ’03, ’07, director of Academic Advising, was the recipient of the Excellence in Advising Administrator Award for Region 9 from NACADA, a premier global association of academic advising in higher education.

Mendoza was recognized for his leadership and contributions in academic advising at Cal State San Bernardino. In March, Mendoza will be honored with the other award recipients at the NACADA Region 9/CAL-CAAN Advising Conference in San Jose.

The Excellence in Advising Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate qualities and practices that make significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. In the Administrator category, award recipients may provide direct academic advising services to students, however, their primary responsibility is as an administrator or director of an academic advising program for three years or more in that role.

Mendoza was a staff member at CSUSB for 19 years in Academic Advising and the Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment before taking on his current role as director. He has served as the Academic Advising director for seven years and has spearheaded initiatives and collaborated with campus partners to support student success.  

“It’s an honor — I thank those who nominated me,” said Mendoza. “This work is rewarding. I have the opportunity to work with great colleagues who want the best for our students. Doing this work at my alma mater is the cherry on top.”

Craig Seal, professor and former dean for Undergraduate Studies, has witnessed the dedication Mendoza has showcased when overseeing the Academic Advising team and advocating for students.

In a letter of support, Seal wrote, “He is always willing to lend a helping hand, is flexible in his approach, but steadfast in his principles. He can take command of a room or situation if necessary or encourage his students and staff to take the lead, never needing the spotlight.

“In short, if you wanted a model for an effective, servant leader to manage the complexities of advising, then Ed would be that model,” wrote Seal.

NACADA is an association that consists of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators and students who work together to enhance the educational development of students. The association promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education.

The Excellence in Advising Awards are given in each of NACADA’S 10 regions. Over the years, CSUSB faculty and staff have been recognized as the nation’s top advisors by NACADA. Daniel Nickerson, associate professor of biology, won the Region 9 Excellence in Advising Faculty Advisor Award in 2020, and Matthew Markin, academic advisor and success coordinator, won the Region 9 Excellence in Advising Primary Role Advisor Award in 2017.