First-Year Advocate - 2015

Charles Malone

The Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the academic and/or personal lives of first-year students. Charles Malone, Honors Advisor, has been chosen as the 2015 recipient of the Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award.

“Charlie Malone continuously goes above and beyond expectations to serve our students,” says Shelly VandePanne. “He takes the time to get to know each of his advisees as individuals and supports them as more than just an advisor; he truly cares about students and will stop at nothing to advocate on their behalf.”  

Known for his strong interpersonal communication skills and passion for collaborating with students, Malone has been cited as a tremendous resource for students in Ferris’s Honors Program. As he was once an honor student himself, he understands the honor student community and their needs.

Malone has sought to challenge students in the program to go beyond their comfort levels and grow in the areas of service and leadership. He encourages them to be creative and propose new ideas, which in turn, motivates Malone. “It is Charlie’s philosophy that you have to ‘leave yourself open to be surprised by (students)’ and has shared that students inspire him to keep learning,” says Shelly VandePanne.

Malone has been with Ferris since 2013. He has a M.A. in Literature and Writing, a MFA in Creative Writing, and is a published author.