Deleon Guerrero receives NMC’s Academic Advisor of the Year

Velma Deleon Guerrero (center, holding plaque), surrounded by colleagues and Northern Marianas College students, was recently awarded NMC’s Outstanding Academic Advisor of the year. (Contributed Photo)

In recognition of her commitment and service to providing quality service and mentorship to students, Velma C. Deleon Guerrero was recently awarded the “Academic Advisor of the Year” award by the Northern Marianas College.

This is the first time the college has presented the award, which aims to honor the work of academic advisors who provide guidance to students in a variety of areas, including course planning, registration, academic counseling, and familiarizing students with campus resources like tutoring services or career services.

The award selection was based on student nominations and the selection process was done by the academic advising committee composed of staff members.

“Ms. Velma is a very helpful advisor who takes very well into consideration the needs of others. She’s helped me sail through college life more smoothly. For that, I am extremely thankful for her,” said NMC student Mae Ann Grace Velena.

“Ms. Velma is always there when students need her. She is very open to my ideas and encourages self confidence in her students,” added Angel Ray Guerrero, also an NMC student.

Prior to becoming the Liberal Arts program coordinator at the Northern Marianas College, Deleon Guerrero taught as a classroom instructor at Mount Carmel School from Fall 2002 through Spring 2008 and taught as an adjunct instructor in NMC’s School of Education from Fall 2006 through Spring 2008. In Fall 2008, she took on a full-time instructor position in the School of Education until Fall 2011 when she agreed to serve in her current position at NMC, overseeing one of the College’s largest academic programs.

As the Liberal Arts program coordinator, Deleon Guerrero has helped to enhanced tools and processes for registration and academic advising and has focused on increasing enrollment, graduation rates, and transfer rates in the program.

She earned her post-secondary degrees at NMC, including an Associates of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts, a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Deleon Guerrero also possesses a Master of Education degree from Framingham State University, which was completed through the College’s Community Development Institute.

Throughout her career as an educator, Deleon Guerrero has volunteered her time in several extra- and co-curricular areas, including honor societies, drama, and speech. In particular, Velma has worked on accreditation committees for all divisions of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), namely, the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS), the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACSCU).

Deleon Guerrero is the proud mother of Victoria Ann, William Blake, and Mary Shelley, and has been happily married to Galvin Deleon Guerrero since 2001. (PR)