History Department Professor Receives Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize
The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences has named Tony Novosel, lecturer in the University of Pittsburgh Department of History, the recipient of the 2011 Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize for Excellence in Advising. The award, which carries a $4,000 cash prize, honors outstanding faculty achievement in undergraduate advising and recognizes the many contributions advisors make to help students to maximize their educational experiences.
During his 16 years of advising students at the University of Pittsburgh, Novosel’s extraordinary energy, dedication, and passion for higher education has had a tremendous impact on the academic excellence of his students. His advising philosophy is deeply rooted in staying in direct contact with students, complete honesty and openness in advising them, and encouraging them to think about how their courses and a major in history can be an ideal starting point for their intellectual development. Through the combination of individual meetings and technology, including Facebook, Twitter, and a departmental blog, Novosel keeps students up-to-date on vital information they need about registration, internships, workshops, and graduate school.
In addition to his advising duties, Novosel’s commitment to undergraduate student success is evident through his tireless outreach efforts on behalf of the department and the University. Through the Faculty Admissions Support Team, a dynamic partnership between the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and faculty members, Novosel conducts sample lectures to visiting students and their parents. He also regularly talks to students in the Freshman Programs classes about the value of a liberal arts education, and reaches out to many student organizations across campus.
Novosel earned his BA, MA, and PhD degrees at Pitt. He has received a Faculty Partner Award (2006), Outstanding Performance Award (2007), Outstanding Professor of the Year Award (2010) and a Student Choice Award (2008). For three consecutive years, he also was honored in the Who’s Who Among American Educators (2004-2006).
The Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize for Excellence in Advising is given annually to a full-time faculty member who has served as a department advisor for at least three years at the Pittsburgh campus. For more information on the Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize, visit www.as.pitt.edu/teaching/awards.html#ampco.