UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beth Johnson, director of the Integrative Science program, director of academics for the Science B.S./M.B.A. program, James and Alvina Balog Faculty Fellow, and associate teaching professor, and Ana Butler, academic adviser in biology, have been honored by the Penn State Eberly College of Science with the 2026 Excellence in Advising Award. The Excellence in Advising Award is presented based on student nominations.
Beth Johnson
Johnson began her career at Penn State in 2016 as an academic adviser, where she worked with students in academic recovery. In 2022, she was selected to be the program chair for the Integrative Science program and the director for the Science B.S./M.B.A. program. According to Carolyn Jensen, director of the Eberly College of Science Academic Advising Center, Johnson is committed to academic advising excellence. Johnson’s commitment is demonstrated by learning about her students to help them navigate their academic goals.
“Dr. Johnson is always there when you need her,” wrote a student nominator. “Whether I needed to meet with her about my classes or request a recommendation letter, she was always willing to help.”
Ana Butler
Butler joined the biology advising team in 2020 and is the adviser for two student organizations, the Biological Science Society and the Penn State College of Medicine Latino Medical Student Association. According to Jensen, Butler is always willing to help a colleague and has been a resource for not only other advisers in the biology program, but across the college. Butler saw a need for improving communication with students, so she created and maintains the biology advising SharePoint, in which she shares job postings and curriculum information for biology students.
“She has been my academic adviser for all four years and has guided me through my journey at Penn State,” wrote a student nominator. “She has been nothing but supportive and has always encouraged me.”