Meritorious Advising

Meritorious Advising Award

2011-2012 Recipients Brett Barclay and Jessica Hennessey

Brett Barclay


2011-2012 Recipient Brett Barclay

Brett Barclay, 2011-12 recipient of the Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Earle Furman Award for Meritorious Advising, is assistant director of Continuing Education and director of Undergraduate Evening Studies. He has worked at Furman since 2007, heading a program that allows people who work full time or have other responsibilities to earn their college degree in business or accounting, but with a flexible schedule and less expense.

Of Barclay, one person said, “I can attest to his love of his students and attention to their individual needs, whether they require a hug or a gentle nudge. He knows all UES students personally and works with them individually not just to craft a course of study, but to place them with professors who will work well with them. He is very sensitive to the special needs and concerns of the adult learners in UES, but does not let them use their circumstances as an excuse. He wants each of them to succeed, and exceed their own expectations in the process.”

Jessica Hennessey


2011-2012 Recipient Jessica Hennessey

Jessica Hennessey joined the Department of Economics at Furman in 2009. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, and her teaching interests include public finance, economic history, microeconomics and econometrics.

A recipient of the 2011-12 Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Earle Furman Award for Meritorious Advising, she is known for her patience, support and encouraging way with students. Said one recent graduate, “I couldn’t say how many times I’ve gone into her office stressed out about graduate school applications or decisions and she has calmed me down and given me exactly what I needed. She always does her research and knows everything she needs to know about a particular topic before giving advice. Another advisor may simply answer my questions, but Dr. Hennessey thinks of questions I haven’t even asked, and answers those as well. And beyond any particular advising role, she is simply a wonderful mentor for all her students.”

Meritorious Advising Award Policy