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Natasha Foret, Reconnect to Success Coordinator at Northshore Technical Community College, was recently awarded a Certificate of Merit in Faculty Advising by NACADA/The Global Community for Academic Advising. She was nominated for the award in the category of “Individuals whose primary responsibility is teaching and who spend a portion of their time providing academic advising services to students.” The candidates were rated for their interpersonal and human relations skills, professional practices and adherence to NACADA Core Values, documented success, documented advisor development, and personal advising philosophy.

“The field for this award was very competitive, so the achievement is especially noteworthy,” said Dr. Paul Donaldson, Associate Provost of Planning and Academic Initiatives at Northshore Technical Community College. Foret was recognized for her work in Reconnect to Success, a ground-breaking program where students who have started at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), but then found themselves on academic suspension can continue taking college courses through NTCC while on academic suspension. Prior to the COVID pandemic, Foret and Donaldson led seminars about the innovative program at NACADA conferences in Kentucky and Missouri.

A critical component of the program is the “Student Success Pathways” course, led by Foret.

“I work with the students through orientation, advising, and course scheduling,” Foret said. “After that, there are mandatory advising ‘check-ins’ where the student and I work together to evaluate and celebrate their progress, as well as identify resources for success.”

Students can earn up to 12 credit hours in the program before transferring to Southeastern Louisiana University. While in the program they have access to all of the resources available to traditional SLU students, including university housing, health and counseling services, and tutoring services.

“The smaller class sizes are also a benefit to the students,” Foret said.

After successful completion of Reconnect to Success, the transition back to SLU is seamless.

Foret is a Southeastern Louisiana University alumnus. In addition to her responsibilities as Reconnect to Success Coordinator, she teaches History and Student Success Pathways at NTCC. She has been with NTCC since 2016.

“Natasha Foret is deeply committed to the success of each student in the Reconnect to Success program,” said Dr. Lizette Leader, Ed.D., Associate Provost of Academics & Connect to Success. “She focuses on creating a comfortable atmosphere and builds relationships by which students can be confident in following her guidance and leadership and through which she can connect students with the many services and support structures available through NTCC.”

Individuals who are interested in learning more about Reconnect to Success may visit online at www.southeastern.edu/admin/admissions/ntcc/reconnect.