Karen Krausen, Provost’s Academic Advisor of the Year!

Ms. Krausen was recognized at the Annual Undergraduate Studies Advising Conference on August 13, 2013.

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Karen Krausen, Distinguished Senior Lecturer and Undergraduate Advisor for the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, has been selected as the recipient of the 2012-2013 Provost’s Faculty Academic Advisor of the Year.

Ms. Krausen has had a long tenure at the University of Maryland, spanning from her days as an undergraduate Spanish major through her graduate studies and including years as the parent of an undergraduate. During her undergraduate career, she counts herself as fortunate to have had the guidance of a wonderful advisor, Mrs. Marie Rentz. She saw Mrs. Rentz as a mentor and was inspired to imagine that one day she would like to play the kind of role Mrs. Rentz did in people’s lives.  The opportunity presented itself upon Mrs. Rentz’s retirement.  Ms. Krausen applied for the job – and has held it now for 25 years, during which time she has seen the number of majors grow from 70 to almost 200.  Combining that figure with the number of minors and other students of Spanish language, literatures, and cultures suggests she has more than filled Mrs. Rentz’s shoes.           

Indeed, her letters of nomination stress her commitment and enthusiasm.  Students recognize her professionalism, her no-nonsense approach, and the pleasure she takes in her role as their advisor. Her colleagues note that through her generosity -- of time, energy, and knowledge -- our large university becomes a manageable, welcoming campus for the new generations.  And we all look forward to her presentation of diplomas at each successive graduation ceremony, where every student gets a special word and a hug.  Who knows what current undergraduate might be dreaming of assuming her mantle one day.

Ms. Krausen was recognized at the Annual Undergraduate Studies Advising Conference on August 13, 2013.