From the 2011 Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards:
Daniel Fortmiller, associate vice provost for Academic and Career Services, has served Portland State University for 26 years. The nomination portfolio for the Cumpston Award is a testament to his demonstrated excellence in service to students at Portland State.
Mr. Fortmiller has been a champion for student success and excellence at PSU. During his tenure, Mr. Fortmiller has operated successfully in many different roles at PSU, including director of the Undergraduate Advising and Support Center, interim dean of students, interim vice provost for Student Affairs, and, his current role, associate vice provost for academic and career services. He is a selfless and consistent presence who always gives of himself to better others, PSU, and, most importantly, students.
Mr. Fortmiller's dedication to the well-being of students is evident to all who interact with him. Some of the most obvious examples include his diligent work to expand both academic advising and academic support services. A consistent advocate for the importance of academic advising and the need for greater resources, Mr. Fortmiller's hard work in this area came to fruition this past year when the University made a $1 million investment to support academic advising across campus.
The Mary H. Cumpston Award for Service to Students is given annually to an academic professional or unranked University administrator who has demonstrated excellence in the area of service to students. Mary H. Cumpston was a beloved colleague whose enduring contributions to Portland State University and to the community have enhanced the development and delivery of student services. Her gift was the ability to identify individual and University needs and to match those needs with creative and effective solutions.