UW Mortar Board Names Award Recipients

The University of Wyoming’s senior honor society, Mortar Board, has selected the 2019 winners of awards for outstanding advising, service and dedication.

Brant Schumaker is the recipient of the Outstanding Advisor Award. Schumaker is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and a veterinary epidemiologist at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory.

The Outstanding Advisor Award recognizes a member of the university community who has performed outstanding academic, career and personal advising. Students are asked to nominate individuals who skillfully, and consistently, provide academic advice, as well as career guidance, and who establish personal relationships with their students.

“Dr. Schumaker has always gone out of his way to provide advising for students. Whether that is for his class, professional school, career advice or simply about life in general, he will find the time,” says nominator Meagan Soehn, a microbiology major from Casper. “He is both kind and understanding, while also being realistic with students about any questions or concerns they come to him with. I know that I speak for myself and other students when I say that he has been an asset for our time here at the University of Wyoming.”

UW President Laurie Nichols is the recipient of the Outstanding Service and Dedication Award.

The award recognizes a member of the university community who has exhibited exceptional dedication to students and service to the university for a number of years.

“Dr. Laurie Nichols has served the University of Wyoming with three years of exemplary leadership,” says Mortar Board President Kaycee Fillmore, a chemistry major from Pueblo, Colo. “It has always been obvious that the UW students are at the forefront of Dr. Nichols’ work, and the student body is grateful for her dedication. Dr. Nichols genuinely wishes to see students flourish in their future endeavors. Few are more deserving of this award.”

Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. It provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities, and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community.

The UW Cap and Gown Chapter of Mortar Board was chartered in 1933. UW chapter members participate in many projects and activities throughout the year, both on the UW campus and in the Laramie community.