OKLAHOMA CITY — Shara Hendriks, Student Success advisor at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), won the 2026 Advisor of the Year – Two-Year Institution Award from the Oklahoma Academic Advising Association (OACADA).
With more than a decade of experience in student-facing roles at OCCC, Hendriks has built a reputation for creating meaningful relationships with students, helping them navigate challenges and ensuring they feel supported throughout their college experience.
“What I find most meaningful about advising is the opportunity to truly connect with
students and get to know the person behind the degree plan,” said Hendriks. “Every
student comes to us with different experiences, goals, challenges, and dreams for
their future. I strive to listen, understand what is important to each student, and
help them recognize the possibilities available to them. My goal as an advisor is
to meet students where they are, walk alongside them as they navigate their journey,
and help them see a future they may not yet be able to see for themselves.”
As a Student Success advisor, Hendriks combines extensive knowledge of academic policies
and degree requirements with a deeply personal approach to advising. Her ability to
listen, build trust, and understand the circumstances affecting students beyond the
classroom allows her to connect them with the guidance and resources they need to
move forward.
“Shara reminds us that academic advising is about much more than course selection and degree planning,” said Dr. Johnnie-Margaret McConnell, OACADA president. “It is about creating an environment where students feel heard, valued, and supported. Her extraordinary compassion, dedication, and willingness to serve both students and colleagues exemplify the important role academic advisors play in helping students achieve their goals. We are delighted to recognize her contributions to Oklahoma’s advising community.”
In her nomination letter, Samantha Olson Smith, director of Student Success Advising at OCCC, emphasized Hendriks’ ability to combine compassionate, individualized advising with an exceptional work ethic.
Whether assisting students at the front desk, facilitating large-group advising sessions during periods of high demand or stepping in to support colleagues, Hendriks consistently demonstrates flexibility, initiative and a commitment to meeting students’ needs.
Her dedication is also reflected in her productivity. Hendriks has received departmental recognition multiple times for serving the greatest number of walk-in students during an academic term.
According to Olson Smith, her ability to serve a high volume of students while maintaining patience, kindness, and individual attention distinguishes her approach.
Olson Smith described Hendriks as “the kind of advisor every student deserves to encounter at least once during their college experience.”
Beyond her individual advising responsibilities, Hendriks is recognized for strengthening her entire advising team through her dependability, positive attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibilities whenever needed.
“For me, advising is more than helping students select classes or stay on track academically,” Hendriks said. “It’s about being someone they can turn to, encouraging them when they face obstacles, and helping them build a plan that connects where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student gain confidence, reach a milestone, or realize that the future they envision for themselves is within reach. Being recognized as Advisor of the Year is a meaningful reminder that the connections I build with students and the support I provide as they work toward their goals truly make a difference.”
The Advisor of the Year Award recognizes an academic advisor from an Oklahoma two-year college or institution who has served in the profession for at least two years and demonstrates an outstanding commitment to academic advising and student success.
Hendriks was recognized during OACADA’s 2026 Fall Conference, Raise the Stakes: Advocate, Connect, Educate (A.C.E.), held at Oklahoma City Community College. The conference welcomed 180 registrants representing 20 colleges, universities and organizations from across Oklahoma.