InfoSci Senior Advisor Shawna Matteson Honored with U of A Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising Award

There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing my students and colleagues reach goals they set out to accomplish. It is a blessing and honor to have an opportunity to cheer, comfort and encourage them throughout their academic and professional journeys.
  – Shawna Matteson
 

Shawna Matteson, a senior academic advisor in the University of Arizona’s College of Information Science, has been awarded the 2025 University of Arizona Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising – Primary Advisor Award. She was recognized for her outstanding work and commitment to students at an October 8 ceremony hosted by Provost Patricia Prelock and Senior Vice Provost Jenna Rickus.

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Matteson, who advises main campus Information Science and online Cyber Operations undergraduate students, brings more than two decades of experience to her work in higher education, including 10 years at the University of Arizona. Her career in student services began at the University of Texas at Austin, where she worked from 2002 to 2011, before joining U of A’s College of Science in 2012. She later advised in the College of Applied Science and Technology before transitioning into the College of Information Science in July 2025 following the merger of the two colleges.

Her advising is informed by a blend of developmental advising theory and self-determination theory, which together emphasize autonomy, reflection, and trust. “I make every effort to take a holistic approach to advising students at their individual stages of development,” she says. “I listen actively so I can guide them to appropriate resources for their own exploration... and help them consider intrinsic motivators based on their own interests and values that will sustain them through barriers and new challenges.”

For Rachel Ridlen, senior director of academic advising, Matteson’s impact extends well beyond course selection. “Shawna has worked with students who are now physicians saving lives, cutting-edge scientists studying neural pathways and brain plasticity, cybersecurity specialists defending our personal information and our nation’s data, professors in geological sciences driving the current wave of environmental and sustainable research and so much more,” Ridlen says.

It’s a wide-ranging legacy built on deep, personal commitment. Matteson sees advising as a human relationship—one rooted in empathy and sustained through mutual respect. That’s especially important, she says, in the limited time frame of typical advising sessions: “I have a finite amount of time to cultivate a foundation of trust that encourages my students to return for continued guidance throughout their academic career. I value compassion, empathy, respect and security. I want them to know that my office is a safe place... that they are valued as unique individuals and not just another student ID.”

That foundation of trust, she adds, often begins with honesty and grows through shared experiences. When appropriate, she tells students about her own educational journey or the setbacks she’s faced. “This helps build authenticity and trust within our student-advisor relationship,” she explains, “which provides us with a stable foundation for continued development and growth.”

“I’ve witnessed Shawna advocate for her students continuously, while empowering them to make the best choices for themselves,” says Ridlen. “Using appreciative and developmental advising models, Shawna truly helps students understand their strengths and how to leverage them in their fields.”

Matteson’s leadership in the advising community is also notable. She mentors newer advisors, contributes to training and program development, and participates actively in professional networks such as the University Professional Advisor Council and NACADA, the National Academic Advising Association. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her belief that advising, like any discipline, requires continual reflection and growth.

“Diversity helps broaden my understanding of others and the world around me,” she says, echoing a written advising philosophy she’s created to guide her work with students. “This enables me to identify with a variety of people and situations... and makes me a helpful resource for colleagues, faculty and administrators.”
 

Beyond the office, Matteson’s life is rich with family, creative projects and quiet joy. She grew up in Texas and earned her bachelor's degree in family studies and human development from Abilene Christian University—like Arizona, also the Wildcats. “Go Wildcats, of all kinds!” she adds cheerfully. At home, she enjoys walking her property with her husband and their cat, Sid, and designing and piecing quilts with her mother and mother-in-law. “We have sew much fun together,” she jokes.

Yet, for all her skills and accomplishments, it’s the students who remain at the heart of Matteson’s work.

“It is my responsibility to provide students with guidance, resources and tools that will enable them to be academically successful,” she says. “In turn, students are responsible for taking ownership of their education and professional growth.”

She encourages her advisees to show up prepared—with questions, goals or even uncertainty. “Talk to your instructors,” she urges. “They’re not only teaching; many of them are still working in the field. Use your resources—there are more than you realize.”

And if those resources feel overwhelming? That’s where Shawna Matteson comes in—with a listening ear, a strategy and, often, just the right question.
 

Meet Shawna Matteson and the other inspiring undergraduate academic advisors of the College of Information Science.