UNO Academic Advising Council Names Madison Bowman Advisor of the Month

Madison Bowman, academic advisor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Communications, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM), was recently named the “Advisor of the Month” by the Academic Advising Council (AAC) for the month of May.

The award was presented to Bowman at the May Academic Advising Council meeting.

Bowman’s nominator said:

“Madison consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, distinguishing herself as both an exceptional advisor and an innovative leader whose work has had a meaningful impact on student success, enrollment, and retention. At her core, Madison is a careful, attentive, and deeply student-centered advisor. She approaches advising with intentionality, ensuring that each student feels seen, supported, and equipped to navigate their academic journey. Her ability to build trust with students, provide clear guidance, and anticipate challenges makes her an invaluable resource to the School of the Arts. She does not simply advise—she invests in students’ long-term success, helping them develop confidence, clarity, and a sense of belonging within the college.

While her excellence in advising is remarkable, it is Madison’s innovation that continues to astound me. She has truly stepped into her own in designing and implementing unique, engaging enrollment experiences for incoming students in the School of the Arts. In 2025 alone, Madison independently planned and executed twelve enrollment events—each thoughtfully designed to welcome students and their families while streamlining the transition into the university. She is already working to replicate and expand these efforts for 2026. Notably, she developed a conference-style enrollment model that elevated the experience beyond traditional registration processes, and she trained student ambassadors to actively support these events, creating a more dynamic, peer-informed environment.

These efforts reflect not only creativity, but also strategic thinking about how to build early connections that matter. Madison’s leadership extends even further through her contributions to CFAM’s First-Year Experience (FYE) seminar. While she was expected to attend weekly training sessions from January through August, Madison consistently went beyond participation—she contributed ideas, refined approaches, and actively shaped the direction of the program. Her most significant contribution is the creation and implementation of the CFAM Passport Project, a signature, retention-driven initiative that we are incredibly proud to launch.

Through the Passport Project, first-semester students receive a CFAM Passport on the first day of their FYE course and are encouraged to attend a variety of campus and community events to earn stamps throughout the semester. This initiative is far more than a series of activities—it is a structured, intentional approach to fostering belonging, engagement, and early connection to the college. By incentivizing participation in meaningful experiences, Madison has created a scalable model that integrates co-curricular engagement directly into the student experience. The Passport Project positions students to build relationships, explore opportunities, and see themselves as active members of the CFAM community from the very beginning. It is innovative, practical, and deeply aligned with retention best practices.

In every aspect of her work, Madison demonstrates initiative, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to student success. She not only meets expectations, but she also redefines them. Her ability to translate ideas into impactful, sustainable programs sets her apart as a rising leader within our college and university. It is with great pride and confidence that I recommend Madison Bowman for Advisor of the Month. Her contributions have already made a lasting difference, and I am excited to see the continued impact of her work in the years ahead.”

For being selected as the AAC Advisor of the Month, Bowman received a certificate and gift card.