LCDR Andrea Psimer, Division Chief Office of Cutter Forces (CG-7511), has been named the 2024 Vander Putten Inspirational Student of the Year (ISOY). The ISOY award recognizes members who demonstrate sustained exceptional standards of proficiency and dedication while reflecting the service's core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.
Academic Excellence Against All Odds
LCDR Andrea Psimer's educational journey exemplifies resilience and determination. While serving at Coast Guard Headquarters, she completed her master's in leadership from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in just ten months with a perfect 4.0 GPA — all while balancing full-time Coast Guard duties and primary parenting responsibilities as part of a dual-military family stationed in separate locations.
"Every day was difficult, and there were many days I wanted to quit," Psimer candidly shares.
"But each time I got over a little bit of a speed bump, it helped — finishing a class, finishing two classes, breaking it down into something manageable was huge."
Psimer's academic journey faced significant challenges, including caring for her son while meeting assignment deadlines and dealing with a family emergency involving her estranged father's hospitalization in Kansas while taking three classes.
"In March, despite the fact that I was taking three classes at that time, I got a phone call that my dad was in a hospital in Kansas and I was his next of kin," Psimer recalls. "My professors were very understanding, and I still managed to get my schoolwork done that week."
What makes her achievement even more remarkable is how she immediately applied her academic knowledge to workplace challenges. During her "Organizational Change" course, Psimer identified misalignment between Coast Guard offices regarding roles and responsibilities.
Using principles from her coursework — particularly "leading upward" — she originated an issue paper and briefed the Assistant Commandant for Capability, resulting in an immediate solution to a longstanding problem. "I applied my schoolwork in real time to real-time issues," says Psimer. "If I hadn't been doing the classwork, I don't think I would have known what to do."
Psimer also created a Saturday night leadership study group with parents in her community, informally sharing what she was learning and fostering discussions about leadership principles.
Her advice to other Coast Guard members considering advanced education is straightforward: "Start now. There will never be a perfect time, but higher education is invaluable."
To learn more about each awardees’ notable achievements, visit the FORCECOM ESOY and ISOY award 2024 site.
The ESOY and ISOY awards recognize outstanding contributions to the Coast Guard's voluntary education services program. Prior to 2012, these awards were presented at the CG ESO symposium. Due to travel restrictions and cost savings, the awards are now presented at the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Professional Development Symposium.
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