This year, Dobbels received the Professional and Scientific Learning Community Coordinator Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for being instrumental in improving the student experience, especially during COVID-19. Dobbels also received the 2023 W. Robert Parks Honors Commendation. This esteemed, student-nominated award recognized Dobbels’ outstanding contributions to the University
Honors Program.
When Dobbels was a student, he was just as involved in the honors program as he is now. He participated in Honors 121, assisted with five honors retreats, became a leader, and then an undergraduate assistant.
“My year in service as a UA will always be a memorable year,” Dobbels said. “I was very close with my fellow UAs, enjoyed leading Honors 302, and felt I was able to help coordinate a successful retreat with new ideas. Helping to lead others was a wonderful experience and really started my interest in working in higher education.”
When it came time for him to decide about joining the University Honors Program, he almost didn’t.
“I was unsure about joining the [University] Honors Program my first semester at ISU,” Dobbels said. “I was advised to give it a try and see what happens. One of the best decisions I ever made. I’m so thankful for my experiences at ISU and in the honors program. It is a true joy to give back to the program and help students find success in life.”
Before he graduated, Dobbels was rightfully dubbed a jack-of-all-trades by Iowa State Daily when they wrote about him receiving his 2010 win as homecoming king. On top of that, Dobbels involved himself in the Government of the Student Body as Speaker and Vice President, as well as other various clubs around campus.
Iowa State led Dobbels to have mentors who encouraged him to consider a career in higher education. With that career, he advises about 165 students who appreciate his energy and caring nature while also being a key component of the Agriculture Education and Studies Learning Community. Now, Dobbels is giving back.
“Being able to help students succeed at ISU and move on to successful careers is so rewarding,” Dobbels said. “I enjoy connecting with students and helping make their lives easier. I get a chance to give back to a place that changed my life forever. The office I advise in is the same office I was advised in as a student. That’s pretty special.”
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