The Nancy Beyer Opler Award for Excellence in Advising honors the academic advisor who best demonstrates the ability to facilitate students’ adjustment to the academic community and support students in their academic and professional planning.
Christine D. Reyes
Assistant Professor
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Professor Christine D. Reyes joined the Colby-Sawyer College Athletic Training faculty in 2016. She serves as the president of New Hampshire Athletic Trainers’ Association and has been a board-certified athletic trainer since 2010. With a Ph.D. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Athletic Training, Christine is an expert in her field, and she combines that expertise with her professional interests in student leadership, peer mentoring, engagement, professional retention, learning styles and burnout in her role as an academic advisor.
Christine believes that professional persistence occurs through positive mentor relationships. She uses those relationships to help students recognize and address elements of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization early in their education because she knows that these skills will help them achieve professional success.
“My knowledge of the factors impacting athletic training student's persistence motivates me to be the advisor I am and strive to continue to become,” Christine says.
One student nominator wrote, “Christine encompasses all the great qualities that a student could ask for in an advisor. She is both accommodating and approachable. She never fails to assist her students with their advising needs. She is supportive both in the classroom and in life.”
Another wrote, “Christine has served me as a professor, advisor, mentor and friend. She goes above and beyond for her students daily. She is an active listener and provides strong feedback for any circumstance. I cannot thank her enough for the life advice and guidance she has provided.”
In addition to her roles as teacher and advisor, Christine serves on the college’s Institutional Review Board, Vocational Task Force and Academic Review Board. She is also a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 189 in her hometown of Meriden, Conn., where her parents and brother still reside.
Christine completed a Ph.D. in 2020 at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She earned an M.A. in Leadership Development and a B.A. in Athletic Training at Azusa Pacific University.
In keeping with tradition, as recipient of the Opler Award, Christine will deliver the Convocation address to entering students in the fall.