Advisor of the month: May 2026

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

The NACADA Core Value that resonates most with me is Inclusivity. As an academic advisor, I have always strived to create a welcoming and equitable environment where every student feels seen, heard, and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or academic journey. I believe that inclusive advising means meeting students where they are, recognizing their unique experiences, and helping them navigate challenges with empathy and understanding. Inclusivity guides everything I do. It shows up in how I listen, how I communicate, and how I make sure every student feels seen and supported. The student who nominated me shared that my support made a meaningful impact throughout their time at Virginia Tech. That kind of feedback reminds me why I work to ensure every student feels they belong and can succeed.

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

I bring a mindset of being fully present to advising appointments and email interactions-whether I’m responding to questions or sending follow-up email summaries and resources. As a result, my students feel confident reaching out to me with major concerns and/or quick clarifications. Sometimes, just knowing they’ll get a thoughtful reply makes all the difference. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m committed to being present and supporting students with compassion and reliability.