Whether guiding students through course selections, career opportunities, or personal challenges, Sonderman’s mentorship is marked by empathy, insight, and a genuine desire to empower students to achieve their full potential.
Michelle Sonderman, the NERS Student Administration Manager, has been honored with the prestigious Advising Council at the U-M (ACUM) Outstanding Advisor Award for 2024. As one of only two people to be honored with the award this year, this esteemed recognition underscores her exceptional dedication and commitment to student support and mentorship within our department.
The selection process began with a call for nominations to all undergraduate and graduate/professional students on the Ann Arbor campus. Among the 274 staff and faculty advisors nominated, Sonderman stood out with an impressive 36 nominations.
Michelle began her tenure at the University in 2010 as a Graduate Program Coordinator for Integrative Systems & Design. In 2011, she joined the College of Engineering’s Engineering Advising Center (EAC) as an Academic Advisor and Counselor. She joined NERS in 2019 as the Undergraduate Program Manager, overseeing both the NERS undergraduate and Engineering Physics programs, and became the first Student Administration Manager in NERS in 2024.
Testimonials from students shed light on Sonderman’s remarkable impact. NERS students lauded her for consistently going above and beyond to provide accurate and pertinent information, offering prompt responses to inquiries, and tailoring personalized academic plans to ensure each student’s success. Sonderman’s proactive approach to advising extends beyond academic matters; she deeply cares about the well-being of her students, providing emotional support, and ensuring access to resources to navigate challenges effectively.
Moreover, Sonderman’s role extends beyond academic guidance; she actively fosters a sense of community within the department, organizing events, and facilitating connections with industry professionals to enhance students’ career prospects. Her dedication to student welfare is evident in her efforts to accommodate individual needs, celebrate achievements, and provide a nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported.
Sonderman’s advisory style is characterized by thoughtful reflection and encouragement, challenging students to consider their decisions and future goals critically. Whether guiding students through course selections, career opportunities, or personal challenges, Sonderman’s mentorship is marked by empathy, insight, and a genuine desire to empower students to achieve their full potential.
Sonderman’s receipt of the ACUM Outstanding Advisor Award is a testament to her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the NERS Community. Her commitment to student success, compassionate mentorship, and tireless advocacy make her an invaluable asset to our department.
“Michelle is critical to the success of our department,” said NERS Chair Todd Allen. “From the point our undergraduate students express an interest in nuclear engineering or engineering physics to the time they graduate, Michelle is the advising foundation upon which their achievements are built. As I talk to graduating students each year, the one constant in their list of positives during their studies is the advice and support from Michelle.”
