CBS academic advisor, Chong Moua, received the 2025 Gopher Way Award earlier this spring for his work advocating for students and addressing barriers to success. This Academic Advising Network award recognizes staff who advocate for inclusivity, equity, and justice. Moua’s commitment to advocating for students and disrupting structural barriers has been integral to the success of the CBS advising and student services programs.
Moua is a strong advocate for all underrepresented students on campus, and leverages his Hmong identity and experiences to improve the student experience. His nomination points to his support for fellow advisors and his ability to elevate the work of others.
“Chong Moua is a very kind and engaged advisor. He remembered details from our last meeting and seemed to actually care about how things were going for me. He goes out of his way to make sure he is providing me with accurate information.” – CBS undergraduate student
Moua led an effort to develop and implement an internal workshop for CBS Student Services designed to promote self-reflection, and encourages staff to hold themselves and each other accountable for creating a more inclusive environment for all.
“Chong is a fantastic model for inclusivity and advocacy, and this work takes a lot of energy to sustain and manage. His investment in the College and recognition on campus for this work is invaluable.” – Elizabeth Kalinowski Ohrt, associate director for advising, curriculum, and retention