Barton College’s Angie Walston Receives National Honor

Angie WalstonWILSON, N.C. — With a campus community of about 1,000, Barton College knows that small can be special. So when one of its own is just one of 10 people in the nation recognized for their dedication to students, the campus wants to share the news. Angie Walston, assistant dean of student success, was recognized by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) as an “Emerging Leader” at the organization’s national conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, earlier this semester.

She joins a select club of 10 individuals across the United States as a member of the Class of 2011-2013 receiving this prestigious honor. The NACADA Emerging Leaders program is awarded each year, and provides recipients with a two-year enrichment experience designed to improve diversity and sharpen leadership skills.

Walston has been instrumental both to the College and to the students who call Barton home. It is a role she has enjoyed since 2005, and a position that gives her the opportunity to help thousands of students shape their futures in school and beyond.

“The profession of academic advising has started to really latch on to this idea that we are essential to student success,” Walston said. “We are educating students about what it takes to graduate, but also are making sure they have all the resources to succeed academically. And, we help students think about how classes fit into their career plans, so that there is success after graduation as well.”

Administrators and colleagues across campus are pleased with Walston’s success at Barton, and realize what an impact she makes on the community.

“Barton is making great strides in the Student Success program because of Angie’s unique combination of passion, hard work, training, and willingness to take on tasks that are not always in her job description,” said Dr. Gary Daynes, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “And, she does an amazing job leading such a great staff. She has this wonderful mixture of wisdom and humility, patience at times, and impatience at other times. It is an honor to work with her.”

Several campus resources launched under Walston’s guidance that aim to promote student success include career counseling, networking programs connecting students with Barton alumni, and a variety of diverse workshops that offer tools like test and study strategies, planning for graduate school, and resume building.

A native of Lansing, Walston graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Elon College (now Elon University). She continued her studies at the graduate level completing a Master of Arts degree in Student Development from Appalachian State University.

Prior to her appointment at Barton, Walston served as the career development coordinator at North Johnston High School. She also held posts as assistant director for employer relations in the Career Center at Meredith College, assistant director of career placement services at The Florida State University, and co-teacher for the Freshman Seminar at Appalachian State University.

The daughter of Jimmy and Sandy McNeill of Lansing, Walston is married to Charles “Wally” Walston II. They make their home in Wilson with their two daughters Olivia and Ella.

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