Student services head’s leadership recognized with 2018 AFS honor

See all the 2018 [award winners] (http://dof.tamu.edu/Awards-and-Honors/AFS-Distinguished-Achievement-Award/AFS-DISTINGUISHED-ACHIEVEMENT-AWARDS-(1)) .

For exhibiting the highest standard of staff excellence, Dave Wentling, director of the [Office of Student Services] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/academics/student-services/) at the Texas A&M College of Architecture, is among 24 recipients of the 2018 [Distinguished Achievement Awards] (http://dof.tamu.edu/Awards-and-Honors/AFS-Distinguished-Achievement-Award/AFS-DISTINGUISHED-ACHIEVEMENT-AWARDS-(1)) , presented annually by the university and [The Association of Former Students] (http://www.aggienetwork.com/) .

Wentling and his fellow 2018 honorees will be formally honored with a cash gift, an engraved watch and a commemorative plaque at Rudder Theatre ceremonies 10 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018.

A universitywide committee of faculty, students, staff and former students selected awardees in seven categories for the prestigious honor based on candidates’ resumés, letters of nomination and support from colleagues and students.

Wentling’s staff advises and counsels undergraduate college students regarding their majors, course selection and academic progress. The office also manages the flow of administrative information between the college and other university units and conducts college tours for prospective students and their families.

“His empathy and genuine concern for his colleagues and students has distinguished him and built a very strong office team,” said Geoffrey Booth, associate professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, in an award recommendation letter. “Although the tasks performed by office staff are rich in opportunities for conflict and dissatisfaction, David’s deliberate and positive management style engages all and serves to redirect time and energy to achieve a positive outcome.”

Wentling’s drive for excellence was also noted in a recommendation letter by Karl Mooney, director of the Association of Former Students’ Transition Academic Advising Programs.

“He strives every day to make himself better, and to improve working conditions, training and additional support opportunities and mechanisms for his staff,” said Mooney.

During his 22-year career at Texas A&M, Wentling has received numerous honors, including the George W. Kunze Award from the Texas A&M Graduate Student Council, and a selection as a Fish Camp namesake. Before joining the college, Wentling worked in the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies and at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

He earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration at the University of Tulsa in 1993, a Master of Science in Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communications at Texas A&M in 2013, a Master of Science in Athletic Administration at St. Thomas University in 1986, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ohio State University in 1981.

Richard Nira
rnira@arch.tamu.edu

posted March 20, 2018