Two of a Kind

Meet Nick & Sally

They are Academic Advisers

While a seemingly small private institution, there is so much that goes on at the Art Institute of Phoenix one can hardly keep track. The best part about these various activities is the attention to detail and the management that's behind the scenes.

"One of the best things students can do for themselves are know their resources" - Nick Ames

"It's also really important to get involved. The students that spend more of their time here, are the ones that get the most out of their experience at Ai" - Sally Underwood.

While these two wise people lend very valuable advise, who are they?

Let me give you an idea ~

Q: What are their backgrounds?

A: Sally: Graduated from NAU with a degree in Psychology and Speaking. Worked at Devry for 25 years and retired as Dean of Student and Career Services in 1998. she also teaches public speaking there today. Worked in the library in admissions and SFS/Career Services as well as student services. She also has two kids, one in college, one in high school. Sally has been happily married to a Devry graduate since 1986.

Nick: Graduated from ASU with a Business degree and Mass Communications. He has worked in Admissions for 5 1/2 years as a coordinator for SFS here at AiPX. He was there until last july. Nick is currently getting duel Masters in Sports Psychology and Counseling from Argosy.

Q:One might ask, what exactly do they do?

A: "We know and do a little bit about everything. Pretty much anything the Academic Directors do as well as tutoring, SFS issues, personal issues, counseling issues, references to other faculty and information, support for Student Affairs functions registrations for new and continuing students, online registering, curriculum committee advisory, admissions, new student meetings (prematriculation meeting), liaison for instructors, attendance, orientation, and we often alternate helping with open house. We're pretty much a one stop shop."

Q: While they tag team in all of these areas, do they have their specialties?

A: Nick: Tutoring and various SFS issues

Sally: Study Abroad, Alpha Beta Kappa, back up for accuplacer testing, club advising

Q: So how do they work with our Academic Directors?

A: "We are really more for the first year experience which leaves the Academic Directors open for more complex issues like portfolio prep or really heavy scheduling conflicts," says Sally "But we really work hand and hand with them. We are in constant contact with each other." - If you need to talk you can see your AD or Sally & Nick.

Q: Which majors do each of you oversee?

A: Nick: GAD, VGP, Photo, DVMP, VMG, MAA, CUL, WEB ("boy majors")

Sally: FM, ID, AD, GD (both) - "girl majors"

Q: What were your reasons for taking this job?

A: "I wanted to find a place where I could help students more as well as continue my education at the same time," -Nick

Sally says, " I eventually had to go back to work because my son was starting college. Also because my entire career was working with grads. This was my first opportunity to work with the students 'in the trenches' and getting to see the beginning and how they make the transition into a brighter future."

Perhaps my favorite part about these two people is their level of dedication to the students. I often spend my time in their office as they listen to me vent about morning classes. It wasn't until I did this interview that I truly realized how much they do and how passionate they are about helping us. I asked Sally was there anything she didn't like about her job and she responded, "Having to go home at the end of the day. I wish i could solve every problem. Sometimes I have to give it to other people and I'm not happy with that. I like to see things through". That kind of care really helps me know what kind of school I am attending.

So, if you need anything, you now know where to go.