For more than 25 years, Natalie Sumrow (’98, ’00, MBA ’04) has been quietly reshaping what student success looks like at the University of Houston. As executive director of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Advising Center, she has transformed advising into a proactive, personalized experience that supports students far beyond course selection.
Under her leadership, the NSM Advising Center has become a student-centered “one-stop shop,” helping students navigate academic, financial and personal challenges while removing barriers that previously slowed progress. Her innovative approach and deep commitment to service were recognized in 2025 with the C. F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award.
To learn more about Sumrow’s journey, we asked her to share insights into her career, her role in supporting UH’s vision for student success and what continues to inspire her work at UH.
Read the full interview: UH Photo Story: Redefining Advising