Awards of Distinction

Cathy Bell is coordinator of academic services and student success at the Hickory campus location of App State's Student Learning Center, having served in the role for nearly two years. She is also an adjunct instructor, teaching Time Management and other courses.

With the help of her student employees, Bell operates the Tutoring Center at the Hickory campus. She also provides one-on-one academic success coaching to students on academic probation and students who are struggling academically.

A nominator — one of her student employees — shared that Bell is more than just a supervisor: "She is a mentor, a role model and a source of constant support and inspiration."

The nominator added, "Cathy invests time in her student employees' personal and professional growth, providing constructive feedback and helping us set goals for development — guiding us in the direction of our strengths while challenging us to grow beyond our comfort zones. Her ability to mentor and empower those around her makes Cathy the ideal candidate for this award."

Bell holds a master's degree in applied health psychology from Northern Arizona University. She is also a published essay writer and the author of a children's book called "Little Ludlow the Bear."