Lauren Stevens has been helping students solve problems and process beneficial information for nearly a decade as a Western Nevada College counselor.

Ive genuinely thought over the years that I am an observer just watching students figure it out for themselves, Stevens said. I mean, I know there is a greater intricacy than that, but its more like the student is rewarded when they synthesize whatever information they need to move forward.

The WNC counselor was recently recognized as the Nevada Regents Academic Advisor Award winner for 2021. Stevens has been inspired by students and colleagues since setting foot on the Carson City campus in 2012.

For me, I think the words inspire and motivate are most relevant, Stevens said. Students and colleagues are inspiring and motivating to me when they excel at difficult things.

Her Counseling Services colleague, Piper McCarthy, knows why Stevens is extremely successful helping students.

Lauren is able to see things from the students perspective, McCarthy said. She is able to create a space where students feel they can be themselves by establishing trusting relationships. She treats each student as a unique individual and allows for the opportunity for the student to discover their individual pathway to meeting their goals.

Stevens is quick to deflect praise for what comes naturally to her and that humility gives her the opportunity to thank others for her accomplishment.

The Regents Academic Advisor Award is a meaningful way to be acknowledged for ones efforts, she said. It also provides a platform to say thank you to those that have supported me along the way.

Working at WNC has been fulfilling on many levels for Stevens.

I have met people at WNC that I really care about and so we keep showing up for each other, she said. Also, working with student veterans and their family members has been incredibly valuable to me.

Stevens earned a bachelors degree from UC Santa Cruz before acquiring her masters degree in Counseling/Education Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Other Academic Advisor Award winners approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents at their quarterly meeting in March are Janita Ethridge of the University of Nevada, Reno and Dr. Kwang J. Kim of UNLV.