Lisa Hilfiker, graduate program coordinator in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, received the department’s Staff Advisory Committee Professional Development Award. This award provides up to $500 in funding for staff to attend a professional event. She will be attending the 2027 American College Professional Association conference March 15–18 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hilfiker’s primary focus is supporting agronomy and horticulture graduate students by creating a welcoming, supportive environment where they feel connected and positioned for success. She works closely with both resident and online students, providing proactive communication, individualized guidance and support as they navigate program milestones and requirements.
“Graduate students face a myriad of challenges as they complete their degrees, and support — professional, academic and personal — is essential to retention and success,” Hilfiker said. “My membership in the ACPA continues to be a great resource for me. I have had the pleasure of attending their annual conventions for the past three years, and every time, I leave with new ideas, connections and a renewed commitment to our students.”
During the convention, Hilfiker attends sessions that apply to her daily work such as graduate student programming and support, student well-being, belonging and community and serving graduate student populations such as international and online students.
“Attending the convention is more than just attending sessions,” she said. “It is also connecting with people from across the country who do the same or similar work that I do and hearing about other programs and how they support students.”
Hilfiker co-teaches Graduate Student Orientation and Master’s Project, helping students transition into graduate study and successfully complete their programs. She also advises the Agronomy and Horticulture Graduate Student Association, supporting graduate student leadership and community within the department.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration with an emphasis in higher education, both from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
SAC was formed in 2012 to give staff members a voice in the department’s actions and direction. The committee meets four times each year to discuss matters affecting staff members and to find solutions.
Twice a year, SAC bestows Professional Development Awards. Department staff are encouraged to apply for professional development funding. Go to the SAC webpage for more information.
