Advisor of the month: February 2026

Which National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Core Value resonates with you the most in your position as an advisor and why?

The National Academic Advising Association Core value that resonates the most deeply with me is Empowerment. I believe that when we help students understand that they are capable and resilient that they develop confidence and courage to take ownership of their educational journey. Empowerment is a value that students can carry on throughout their lives - well beyond just academic decisions. As an academic advisor, I find fulfillment in helping students by connecting them to resources, providing accurate information to support informed decisions, and collaboratively processing both real or potential outcomes. Most importantly, I want to normalize "failure" as an opportunity to pause, grow, reassess, and then continue on. When we create space for students to ask questions, navigate challenges, and celebrate successes, then we contribute to building empowered students who come to understand they can truly shape their own lives.

 What advice would you give to other professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of their students?

We take a holistic approach to best support students, but I'd advise other professionals to remember to care for yourself holistically too! Doing this puts us in the best position to make a lasting impact in the lives of our students. For me, that means finding work-life balance, building relationships, seeking opportunities for learning, leveraging supportive resources, and staying open to change. I encourage professionals to reflect on their own strengths, areas of growth, and how they thrive.