Arsheba Sanders, an academic advisor for the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Region 4 Outstanding New Advisor Award presented by the National Academic Advising Association.
The award is one of several honors within NACADA’s Advising Excellence Awards program, recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the improvement of academic advising.
Sanders supports approximately 355 chemical and biological engineering students annually by facilitating academic standing meetings, interpreting university and college policies, processing degree audits, and supporting students through course planning. She is also the financial and medical liaison for the College’s Engineering Student Services Office, serving as a resource for her colleagues and maintaining relationships with several university departments.
Sanders earned her Bachelor of Science in human environmental sciences and Master of Science in consumer quality management from The University of Alabama in 2021 and 2023, respectively. In 2026, she graduated from the University of West Alabama with a Master of Business Administration in human resources management and services. She began working on campus at UA Early College prior to becoming an academic advisor in the Styslinger College of Engineering in January 2025.
“I can say without reservation that she is among the most exceptional new advisors I have encountered in my career,” said Tabitha Tuten, assistant director of engineering academic student services. “In her first year alone, Arsheba has demonstrated the qualities, practices and professional commitment this award was designed to recognize.”
Sanders recently completed the Appreciative Advising Online Course, an intensive professional development program administered by Florida Atlantic University. Her performance garnered national recognition when FAU’s Office of Appreciative Education contacted Sanders to inform her that her appreciative education plan was selected for inclusion in the Appreciative Education community’s resource library for future course participants.
“Ultimately, my advising philosophy centers on service, advocacy and authentic connection with students,” said Sanders. “I consider my purpose fulfilled as an advisor if students can look back on their college experience and say they felt supported during difficult moments and empowered to keep going.”
Sanders’ advisees attest to her outstanding performance, describing her as a “breath of fresh air” and “the most helpful person on campus.” Other students credit Sanders with supporting them through a variety of academic and personal challenges.
“Her students do not simply attend advising appointments; they are motivated by them,” said Tuten. “Students have directly told us that Arsheba’s encouragement and belief in them were pivotal in their decision to stay enrolled during their most difficult moments.”
Sanders will be recognized for her achievements at the NACADA Region 4 Conference in Addison, Texas.