Advisor of the month: May 2019
Kevin Wogenrich, May 2019, Advisor of the Month, Advising Matters at Virginia Tech.
Kevin Wogenrich
Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
What do you enjoy about your role in advising?
There are many aspects of advising that I really enjoy. I love being a friendly resource that students can always rely on to help them with theirs needs, and show them that they belong here and that they matter. Developing those interpersonal relationships really fulfills my individualization strength, and allows me to always be full present in the moment and make sure that they’re heard and supported effectively. I’m happy I get to join in on their self-discovery and academic journey during their time at VT and I can’t wait to keep getting to know more of my students.
In what ways have you contributed to advising in your department/area?
I’m the “tech guy” so I traditionally help with a lot of things such as learning EAB, Hokie Spa/Canvas, working with the registrar to update and correct our DARS reports, run our “How to Major in HNFE” canvas page, and maintain our HNFE Academic Advising google site which includes FAQ, Advising scheduling, how to take courses not at VT, scholarship and internship opportunities and more! But, what I’m most excited to be contributing to, and proud to say that I will be the program director of, is the Wellbeing Living Learning Community that will be starting this coming Fall at Virginia Tech! HNFE has partnered with Hokie Wellness, Recreational Sports, Cook Counseling, Residence Life and more student affairs professionals to bring this new exciting idea to fruition. We look forward to having everyone’s students (all majors are accepted!) join us on their wellbeing journey, no matter where the student might be on their own wellness journey, to create an exciting, engaging, and unique community and culture around wellbeing on the VT campus.
What advice would you give to other professionals who want to a make a difference in the life of their students?
Be present. It's so important. In that moment, make them your world. Listen, really listen. Hear what they have to say. Hear what they can't say. Be happy that they're trusting in you their future, their dreams. Celebrate with their successes and victories with them. Console and support them during their trials and be with them, and be present in their lives. Make a difference in the world, one student at a time.