NAU Staff Spotlight: Recognizing 15 Years of Service – Natalie Garling
National American University (NAU) recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate long-term commitment to the institution’s mission. This month, NAU highlights Natalie Garling, who has served in various academic roles for 15 years, contributing to curriculum development and student success initiatives.
Commitment to Student Learning
Throughout her tenure, Natalie has been dedicated to enhancing student learning experiences and supporting academic achievement. Reflecting on her time at NAU, she shares:
“The most rewarding part of my NAU journey has always been, and I believe always will be, seeing the academic growth of my students. When I watch students confidently deliver a presentation, share that practicing a time management strategy worked, or tell me their resume landed them their dream job, it makes my day! A student’s rewarding moments are ours, too, as faculty.”
Contributions to Curriculum and Student Support
In addition to her role as a faculty member, Natalie has been involved in efforts to improve academic resources and instructional materials. One of her key projects included updates to Virtual Maverick Orientation, a course designed to help first-term students transition successfully into their academic programs.
“I had been observing the obstacles our first-term students encountered and believed that by teaming up with Academic Advising and updating our Orientation course together, we could help students be even more successful in Week 1,” she explains.
Her work in this area focused on refining course materials and identifying potential barriers that may impact student engagement.
Professional Approach and Impact
Colleagues and leadership recognize Natalie for her attention to curriculum structure, problem-solving, and instructional improvements. Dr. Brigit McGuire, Dean of Academic Affairs, notes her ability to identify and address curriculum and policy-related challenges that may affect student success:
“Natalie is laser-focused on student success and removing obstacles to student success that might be ‘hiding out’ in our curriculum, policies, or practices. She has such a gift for curriculum design, and that, in combination with her many years of experience teaching NAU students specifically, makes her a powerhouse as a lead faculty member.”
One example of her work involves a collaborative project for upper-level students, which has undergone multiple revisions based on faculty and student feedback. Adjustments have included updates to assignment pacing, structure, and clarity to enhance student understanding and completion rates.
Beyond her academic contributions, Natalie is recognized for her professionalism, organization, and team-oriented mindset.
“Natalie is a good communicator and an uplifting, joyful presence to be around. She is always meticulously well-prepared. And those of us who are, let’s say, absent-minded, rely on her more detail-oriented nature to keep us on track!” Dr. McGuire adds.
Guidance for Students and Colleagues
Natalie also offers guidance to students seeking to maintain academic persistence and engagement:
“Don’t give up. Remember why you enrolled, support your growth mindset, and limit what a fixed mindset might be trying to tell you. Try not to be overwhelmed with what’s ahead—all the classes or all the assignments or anticipated obstacles. Take it one assignment at a time, one week at a time. Oh! And communicate with your instructors. We LOVE to hear from students and help!”
Recognizing 15 Years of Service
NAU acknowledges Natalie Garling’s contributions to student learning, curriculum development, and faculty collaboration over the past 15 years. Her expertise and commitment to instructional quality continue to support the university’s mission, academic objectives and student success initiatives.
Thank you Natalie, for your 15 years of service to NAU and its students.
