Kelsey Banfield

Kelsey Banfield is an Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor at the University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Department of Communication and Media. She advises current and prospective undergraduate students exploring their academic interests in communication and media studies.

Integrity, inclusivity, and individualization in advising are values prioritized in Kelsey’s philosophy. She is energized by challenging students to be self-advocates, to craft their liberal arts curriculum and pursue it bravely, and to write their own unique narratives of success. She is also interested in curriculum development and innovation. 

Kelsey served as the Advising Council at the University of Michigan (ACUM) co-president from 2023-2025. She also co-led the Academic Advising and Coaching Team of the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education’s Student Success Initiative in 2025 where she helped develop an Academic Advising & Coaching Framework.

Prior to joining the Department of Communication and Media, Kelsey served as the undergraduate academic advisor for the Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) and several other global area studies units within the International Institute for 10 years. Additionally, she has experience working for an international law firm network, taught secondary social sciences in a rural community, and worked within multiple student academic affairs units at U-M, Middle Tennessee State University, and Eastern Michigan University. Kelsey holds an M.A. in educational leadership/higher education and student affairs, a graduate certificate in academic advising, and a B.S. in social science education. 

Outside of the office, Kelsey enjoys exploring new restaurants with her husband, traveling with her blended and extended family, being her kids’ loudest cheerleader, serving her community, and continually learning about cultures of the world.