Joan Lehoullier strives to create a welcoming environment so her student advisees know they can be honest with her about how they’re doing and what they’re feeling.

“Listening is also a vital part of the work,” said the associate professor in the School of Business & Social Sciences and coordinator of the sport management program. “Really hearing about who they are and who they want to be helps to create the opportunities that will pave the way for them to fulfill their dreams.”   

For her thoughtful dedication to her students, Lehoullier is the 2025 recipient of the Nancy Beyer Opler Award for Excellence in Advising.

One advisee called Lehoullier knowledgeable, personable and interested in the best for every student. “She is very understanding of each student’s situation and she is able to provide solutions that work for that student,” the advisee wrote.

The advisee also appreciated Lehoullier’s counsel to prepare for the future and to be her best self.

When Joey Branchaud ’24 wasn’t having success landing a soccer-based internship, Lehoullier nudged him toward the New London Outing Club, which was seeking an intern for its youth sports program.

“He did make the connection, was offered the internship and it went so well they created a job for him,” Lehoullier said. “So, he walked right into it last May when he graduated. He was so thankful that I saw his skills and talents in that area.”  

Lehoullier said she’s thrilled and touched to receive the Opler Award.

“I so enjoy meeting with students to learn about their lives, passions and career interests,” she said, “so for some of those students to acknowledge my work with them is validating in ways I never imagined.”

Lehoullier also is the faculty representative on the Colby-Sawyer College Board of Trustees, advisor for the Sport Management Club and team mentor for the women’s basketball squad. In that role, she academically supports the student-athletes.  

“My job is also to be their biggest cheerleader, so trying to attend games as much as possible is the fun part for me,” she said.

College athletics is a natural fit for Lehoullier. 

Prior to joining Colby-Sawyer in 2018, she was the senior associate athletic director at UMass Lowell. And, before her career with the River Hawks, Lehoullier was director of recreational sports at the University of Vermont. 

She earned a bachelor’s in physical education at Westfield State College, a master's in physical education at Eastern Illinois University and an Ed.D. in educational leadership at UMass Lowell.

Lehoullier is a self-described outdoor enthusiast and enjoys walking, hiking and snowshoeing. “I love it but I think my 2-year-old chocolate Lab loves it even more than me, so that keeps me moving every day,” she said.

She will receive the award Friday, May 9, at the Scholars & Leaders Ceremony. As is customary for the recipient, Lehoullier will deliver the Convocation address to entering students in the fall.