Becky Stillwell, Civil and Environmental Engineering Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs, has received the University of Illinois 2025 Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award.
This award, given annually by the University of Illinois Office of the Provost, honors up to one faculty advisor and one professional advisor per year that have shown sustained excellence in undergraduate advising. Nominees are evaluated further by the following criteria: positive impact on undergraduate students and their intellectual development through sustained academic advising relationships; innovative approaches to undergraduate advising; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; and other contributions to improve undergraduate advising.
Stillwell joined the department of civil and environmental engineering in 2005, and through the last 20 years has consistently gone above and beyond the measures outlined in the award criteria. Beginning her tenure as the undergraduate program coordinator, she quickly took a hands-on role supporting the department’s students and eventually received promotions to Academic Advisor, Senior Academic Advisor, and most recently Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs.
“When I joined the department in 2005, I didn’t see myself staying for more than five years,” Stillwell said. “There was an adjustment for me as I had to familiarize myself with all the faculty and students that I met. Eventually, I became more comfortable and confident in helping students in the department.”
Even in her newest role as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs, Stillwell continues to guide students through the everyday challenges of scheduling, degree requirements, planning for study abroad, and more. On top of her advising duties, she also manages several other important facets of undergraduate programming, including new student recruitment, internal scholarships, and planning the department’s annual Awards Convocation luncheon.
For Stillwell, the students make it all worth it. Whether lending a friendly ear during advising meetings or guiding them towards life after college, watching students grow as people and engineers is what Stillwell calls “the most rewarding part” of her career. It’s also what has motivated her to keep calling the department of civil and environmental engineering “home” after so many years.
“It is an honor to be receiving this campus advising award,” Becky said. “It’s a momentous recognition of my passion for advising, my love of learning and growing in a department that is highly ranked, and the people who I have come to know as colleagues and friends!”
Stillwell will receive her award at the Celebration of Teaching Excellence event hosted by the Office of the Provost on April 15, 2025.