Paul R. Shellenberger is a University professor who teaches, advises and really cares.

Shellenberger, University professor of dairy science, will be rewarded for his commitment to students with the Penn State Excellence in Advising Award at the University Awards Convocation at 2 p.m. on April 7 in Eisenhower Auditorium.

The award is given annually to a professor by the Undergraduate Student Government Academic Assembly. The adviser is chosen from student recommendations and the adviser's enthusiasm and advising skills, said Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council President Tom Wilson (senior-history), who was a member of the assembly last semester.

"It must be something the students think I'm doing right," Shellenberger said. "It encourages me to continue to do the right thing -- continue to push."

Shellenberger said he tries to help students decide on their careers and be prepared for entry-level positions. He also stresses the importance of a broad general education to complement majors, he said.

But Shellenberger advises in other ways.

Lisa Consello (junior-animal bioscience) said she nominated him for the award because he helps with problems other than academic ones. "He always has time for you," she said.

Shellenberger said he even makes his home phone number available for students who cannot reach him after class or during office hours. He said this attitude reflects the values instilled in him by his service-oriented family, who taught him to help others.

"The more you give, the more you get back," he said.

Born in Dover, Pa., 1935, Shellenberger fostered his early interest in agriculture when he spent his summers working on his uncle's farm. He was encouraged, along with his siblings, to attend college. He first intended to be part of the University's vocational agriculture program that involved 1½ years of classes and then going directly into farming.

But he decided to stay at the University for four years, displaying an enthusiasm for Penn State now evident in his advising.

One of his advisees, Kevin Vandervort (sophomore-agricultural science management technology) said Shellenberger helped him implement a minor into his curriculum.

Erskine Cash, University animal science professor, said Shellenberger "is a very sincere person who is interested in the well-being of students."

Shellenberger, received a bachelor's and master's degree in dairy science production from Penn State in 1957 and 1959. He received his doctorate in animal nutrition from Iowa State University in 1964 and began teaching at Penn State in 1967.