John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising - Awardees

2023-2024 Tate Award Recipients

This year's awards were presented at the Tate Advising Conference on Thursday, February 29, 2024. A recording of the award ceremony is available. The John Tate Awards are sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Education.

The recipients of the 2024 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising are: 

Jacquelyn Burt

Academic Advisor & Instructor, Computer Science & Engineering, College of Science & Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Jacquelyn is recognized for her fearless advocacy, skilled advising practices, exceptional communication skills, and ability to translate one-on-one advising appointment insights into resources and opportunities. A colleague writes “One of Jacquelyn’s greatest strengths is her authenticity and ability to demonstrate to students that she is a safe space where they can show up as their whole selves… this sincere dedication to her students’ wellbeing, academically, personally, and professionally, is a profound gift and one that stays with her advisees throughout their time at the U and beyond.”

Saje Mathieu

Associate Professor of History, Department of History, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Saje is recognized for her exceptional commitment to academic and career advising, for addressing gaps in the student experience by creating impactful solutions, and for fostering belonging for students. A student writes that Saje “…is not interested in merely completing the task at hand. She teaches a student the skills they need to independently and confidently approach a similar challenge in the future…She is the truest mentor I have known. Her support molded my undergraduate experience. It is abundantly evident that she is dedicated to instilling in students a deep love for learning and a commitment to continual self-edification.”

Bavi Weston

Associate Director of Advising, CLA Undergraduate Education, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Bavi is recognized for tremendous advocacy for students and advisors, for being a transformational change agent in CLA and across campus, and for the holistic and appreciative lens she brings to all of her work. Her nominators write “Bavi approaches her work with love, care, and passion. Her unwavering commitment to student success and innovative personalized guidance has contributed to the positive academic experience of countless students… She provides resources, encouragement, transparency, and options in a way that supports the student’s situation as well as their identities and autonomy.”

Keni Zenner

Learning Assistance Coordinator, Student Success Center/TRIO Student Support Services, University of Minnesota Morris

Keni is lauded for her culturally-responsive advising practices, for her ability to create impactful partnerships and collaborations, and for her exceptional use of data to drive student-centered innovations. Her nominator writes “Keni’s tenure has had an outsized, transformative impact on our student advising delivery systems. Keni is well established as a trusted adviser to students and a key contributor in elevating our advising systems, crafting new initiatives, and honing our intervention efforts to reach students. She does her job exceptionally well and is a sought-after resource, problem solver, collaborator, and partner for our most critical student success work.”