Physiology’s Brian Pearse wins national advising award

Brian M. Pearse, MEd, a Department of Physiology academic advisor and recruitment coordinator for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, received the National Academic Advising Association Region 10 Excellence in Advising – New Advisor award. 

Pearse, who’s been an advisor with the department since 2021, was selected from applicants in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. 

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“Being recognized for all that I’ve been able to do at a local and regional level is a great feeling,” said Pearse, a 2019 U of A graduate. “I feel that my learning experience in this role definitely came through the support of the students, who very much needed me. It’s an honor knowing my students see me and the work that I do help them have a wonderful experience.”

He said the award is an honor he shares with the entire advising team since everyone supports one another.

Pearse said he was initially admitted as a pre-physiology student in 2012 when he applied to the U of A. His own academic journey took some twists and turns and included a stint studying social work at Pima Community College before he found his calling in academic advising. He named Frances Maria Montaño, a senior academic advisor in the U of A College of Education, as his role model. He called her “my absolute hero.”

“She is by far the best mentor and friend I’ve had through the last seven years, and she set the example of what I wanted to become,” said Pearse, who advises about 300 students.

In Pearse’s nomination letter, Sharon A. Aiken-Wisniewski, PhD, assistant vice provost for academic advising, said he “consistently brings a mixture of care, trust, accuracy and inspiration to his students and colleagues.” 

In a letter of support, student Kanita Olson said Pearse works to help students not just with their academics but also their personal growth.

“Brian is not only an amazing academic advisor, but he is a genuine human being who sees students as more than their class schedule or advisement report,” Olson wrote. “I have been treated with kindness and respect, and I know he carries this demeanor with not just myself but every person he interacts with.”

The National Academic Advising Association is dedicated to promoting student success through academic advising, serving its members through professional development and networking opportunities. Along with the award, Pearse received a $600 stipend to pay for the NACADA Region Conference early registration fee and membership renewal, with any remaining funds to be used for conference expenses.