Rachel Ward Boatwright has been named the 2025 Florida State University Max Carraway Employee of the Year Award winner.
President Richard McCullough selected Boatwright, who serves as a senior academic advisor in the College of Music, for the annual award that, since 2008, has recognized outstanding employees whose contributions and excellent service have made a campus-wide impact.
“Rachel’s exemplary service reflects the highest standards of professionalism and care,” said Renisha Gibbs, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff for Finance and Administration. “Through her knowledge, compassion and tireless service, she has become a trusted guide and advocate for students and colleagues alike.”
As this year’s Max Carraway Employee of the Year Award recipient, Boatwright will receive two football tickets, a stipend and a reserved parking space for one year.
For eight years, Boatwright has been with the College of Music, home to nearly 700 undergraduate music majors. As a senior academic advisor through Advising First — FSU’s network of professional academic advisers and guides who support students as they establish their personal, academic and career goals — Boatwright works hard to meet with students and prepare them for the requirements of the major.
“Her knowledge of music majors in all areas is unsurpassed, and she is equally knowledgeable with university policies and regulations,” said Steven Kelly, professor of Music Education in the College of Music. “Students and faculty alike respect Rachel’s commitment, dedication and caring attitude.”
In her role, Boatwright helps students manage competing responsibilities. In addition to the curriculum, a major in music entails expectations beyond the classroom. Students also have performance and practice requirements to factor into their already busy schedules.
“Rachel remains solution-oriented and intentionally creates equitable plans for her students and empowers them to be informed self-advocates,” said LaShae Roberts, assistant dean for undergraduate studies.
Boatwright goes above and beyond in her role and is committed to high performance beyond meeting with students.
“Rachel participates in all aspects of our advising work in the college, from assisting with auditions, career panels on Parents’ Weekend and orientation presentations to peer mentor training and outreach initiatives,” said Joanna Hunt, assistant dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Music. “She performs these numerous duties in addition to her wonderful, individual advising sessions with our students and maintains student records.”
Boatwright developed a curriculum for first-year music students titled First Year Music Experience, offered through the Engage100 program. During the summer semester, eighty-six students participated in the course. Following completion, students indicated increased confidence in their academic trajectory, enhanced connections with campus and peers and improved preparedness for college.
To help facilitate the course, she hired and trained 16 student mentors known as the Board of Advisors (BOA), a program with a 40-year history in the college.
Serving as assistant director for the BOA program, Boatwright also co-chaired the convocation committee. Convocation, a new tradition in the College of Music, aims to launch the academic year with music, community and swag. This year, more than 1,000 people attended.
While at FSU, Boatwright has made a significant impact on students and colleagues, supporting academic growth and contributing to the campus community through her advising and program involvement. As a former student and longtime music teacher, Boatwright brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role.
Boatwright is trained in multiple instruments and has experience in the discipline required for success in the field. She applies her knowledge of music and commitment to student achievement to create an environment that supports student growth.
Her nominators commended her helpful and approachable demeanor. She is described as enthusiastic and energetic.
Associate Professor Gregory Springer said, “She is a very kind and courteous colleague, and she treats students with that same level of courtesy.”
These sentiments are echoed by fellow adviser and Convocation committee co-chair Emily Clark, who wrote, “Her relational skills are unmatched, with students frequently lining up on the floor outside of her office.”
For Boatwright, being friendly and providing good service is “easy when you love what you do.”
“The fact is, I love my job because I love the work,” Boatwright said. “I teach students how to become the experts of their own education and then empower them toward independence and personal responsibility.”
She continued, “FSU’s motto, Vires, Artes, Mores — strength, skill, character — is also the recipe for resilience, which the FSU community has demonstrated time and again. If anything, this job has taught me to be more compassionate, more eager to listen, and quicker to ask questions.”