A UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) administrator has been honored by the university for her outstanding efforts in paving the way to academic excellence for students.

Meena Turner, Director of Academic Success Coaching for CECS, was recognized by the Division of Student Success and Well Being (SSWB) with the Leadership and Empowerment Award for guiding her team with a focus on student-centered support and staff development.

Turner says she was honored to be recognized by such a large and dynamic division.

“At a university as expansive as UCF, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget just how critical each individual piece of the puzzle really is,” she says. “The SSWB awards program is a beautiful reminder to pause, step back and appreciate the full picture and the incredible impact each of us has in shaping it.”

Her passion for helping university students began when she was in graduate school, working as a summer advisor in the Office of First Year Advising and Exploration.

“That experience was pivotal,” she says. “It quickly became clear that I had a true passion for helping students navigate their transition into the university. I was especially inspired by UCF’s strong commitment to the orientation experience and the intentional support provided to new students.”

Turner started her career at UCF as an academic advisor in 2000 serving in the Office of First Year Advisng. She moved to CECS in 2009, where she says he has proudly served since then. She was promoted to her current leadership position in 2023, a role that has evolved with the university’s transition from academic advising to academic success coaching.

Her number one priority is empowering her team.

“Students will thrive when supported by a dedicated and well-equipped team,” she says. “My priority is developing my team, empowering them with the tools, training and encouragement they need to make a lasting impact on student success.”

Putting her team first gives Turner the most fulfilling aspect of her role. She says working alongside her incredible advisors, and being part of their growth, motivates her every day.

“Watching each member grow in their role and seeing them support one another, mentor new colleagues, and evolve together as a cohesive unit is truly inspiring. They challenge me to grow with them every day,” Turner says. “It’s an honor to be part of their journey as they collaborate on university-wide student success initiatives. Their ability to develop innovative strategies and thoughtful implementation plans is a powerful reflection of their dedication, creativity, and commitment to student achievement.”

Turner believes that everyone at CECS has a pivotal role to play in providing a world-class experience for its future engineers and computer scientists.

“UCF attracts some of the most dedicated and talented faculty and staff in the country,” she says. “Their commitment to delivering a high-quality education — paired with transformative experiences — gives our students a distinct competitive edge after graduation. My message to our faculty and staff is simple: never stop doing what you do. Your work makes a difference every single day.”