University Advising
Office of Undergraduate Education
What is your role at MSU?
I serve as the Educational Developer for Academic Advising. In this role, I design and facilitate professional development, training, and networking opportunities specifically for undergraduate academic advisors at MSU. A big part of my work is listening to advisors, identifying challenges, and then find opportunities for improvement. I collaborate with advising teams and campus partners, including the Registrar’s Office, Office of Financial Aid, Student Information System Operations Team, and Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, to turn those challenges into practical solutions. Sometimes that solution is a workshop or interactive guide; other times, it might be a video, online course, resource, or tool. Basically, if there’s a way to make an advisor’s work a little easier, more connected, or more effective, I’m interested in exploring it!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I thoroughly enjoy problem-solving and being a direct source of support for our advising community. I worked as an academic advisor for ten years before transitioning into this role, so I know firsthand how rewarding (and sometimes challenging) the work can be. I love taking a complicated question or frustrating problem and figuring out how we can make it more manageable. I also really enjoy helping people navigate challenges, overcome barriers, and discover new approaches to their work.
What guides your approach to this work?
Collaboration is at the heart of how I approach this work. Academic advisors are often the first point of contact for students and are expected to understand, and help students navigate, just about every facet of the college experience. That means advisors need strong connections across campus and access to information, resources, and people who can help them support their students. I’m inspired by conversations with advisors and campus partners about what’s working, what’s getting in the way, and what could be better.
What do you hope academic advisors experience through UAARE?
I hope academic advisors feel empowered to do their best work because they know they have a supportive team behind them. UAARE is about creating opportunities to learn, connect, share ideas, and find support, not just checking another professional development box. I also want advisors to feel valued and appreciated. Advisors do incredibly important work, often carrying a tremendous amount of mental and emotional responsibility as they support students through both exciting milestones and difficult moments. They don’t always hear “thank you” enough, so I hope UAARE helps reinforce just how much their work matters and reminds them that they don’t have to figure everything out on their own.
What is something you are especially interested in professionally?
I’m especially interested in understanding what academic advisors need and then building meaningful solutions to meet those needs. I enjoy the entire process, from gathering feedback and identifying patterns to brainstorming ideas, designing learning experiences or resources, and then assessing impact. I’m particularly interested in the space where assessment, learning design, and organizational improvement overlap. I like asking, “What do people need?” followed by, “Okay, so what can we do about it?”
Who should contact you?
Academic advisors, advising leaders, campus partners, and colleagues interested in advisor development, assessment, professional learning, or collaboration are welcome to connect with UAARE.
If you’re a student or family member looking for help with an individual academic advising question, the best place to start is with your academic advisor, who can connect you with the most appropriate resources and support. Visit the websites below for assistance.