COVE's Sizer Earns President's Award

Deidre Sizer, assistant director and tutoring coordinator of The Cove, Cedarville University’s academic enrichment center, was presented with the President’s Award from the National Tutoring Association (NTA) during its annual conference on Thursday, Oct. 5.

The NTA is the largest association dedicated to training and advancing tutors across the United States. The Cove tutoring program is certified through the NTA.

The honor is one of the highest awards given by NTA and not one you can be nominated for. Instead, the president of NTA, Dr. Carmen Wade, chooses the recipient of the award based on her understanding of the recipient's dedication and commitment.“It is an honor and very humbling to have the NTA recognize our tutoring program,” said Sizer. “It’s nice that they thought enough of our tutoring program to want to present me with this award.”

For the last 12 years, Sizer has worked to connect students with tutors. She also organizes events and creates solutions for problems the students face. Sizer plays a vital role in The Cove team helping each student find what help they need and supporting her coworkers in their work as well. Kim Ahlgrim, director of The Cove, commented on Sizer’s fun personality that brings joy to the workplace and her dedication to helping students.

“If Deidre sees a need, she will find out who can support them and how they can get the best help,” said Ahlgrim.

Sizer noted the importance of the entire Cove team and the group effort it is to help students succeed. Sometimes it takes several staff members meeting together to find a solution and figure out the best way to help a student.

“It’s a team effort, really. They’re all very supportive and we share in helping students. Many times, it isn’t just one person helping,” said Sizer.

Although her position requires her to be invested in students' academic success, Sizer goes a step further in pouring into the lives of students. Whether it be through unofficial advising, helping students with unusual circumstances thrive or praying with students who are struggling, she invests her time and heart into helping students.

“She really cares about students, and not just their academic success but their holistic adjustment to Cedarville,” said Ahlgrim.