Advisor of the month: May 2025

What do you enjoy about your role in advising?

I truly enjoy interacting with students, helping them navigate their educational journey and creating relationships that can bear the weight of truth. It is exciting to me that I get to work with students from diverse backgrounds, interests and experiences. I enjoy when students come to me for more than just advising questions and I am able to share a campus resource, an experiential learning opportunity or discuss career opportunities. I enjoy demonstrating to students that I care.

In what ways have you contributed to advising in your department/area?

As the first Director of Advising for Public Health, I've worked with our advising team to create structure, organization and consistency. In an effort to better our communication with students, I've developed a weekly and monthly advising newsletter, an advising canvas site and a FYE course for our freshmen, transfer students and change of major students. I’ve also worked with our faculty to develop an updated roadmap and prerequisites.

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

I would encourage other advisors to remember what drew them to the field in the beginning and lean into that. It is easy to get overwhelmed or frustrated with student demands but each of us were attracted to the field for a reason.  Students seek out and listen to those who care. My advice is to share your care with students. Perhaps you are a great listener or excel at organization or bring a spirit of curiosity. Whatever it is, share it with your students!