Associate Director for Pre-Professional Advising
About
When did you join Student Academic Affairs?
October 2021
What was your path to Student Academic Affairs?
For roughly a decade, I have dedicated my work almost exclusively to academic advising! My experience working in higher education started at Grand Valley State University where I advised first and second year students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with majors in Kinesiology as well as Secondary and Elementary Education Teacher Certification. I transitioned to the University of Michigan in 2014 working in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. It was in this role where I learned all about the vast, amazing resources here at the University and gained a love for the Maize and Blue. In 2015, I started in the School of Kinesiology as the Pre-Health Academic Advisor. Through this role, I had the opportunity to create and lead the Pre-Health advising team, coordinate the orientation program which included supervising our peer advisors (the best part of the job!), work alongside esteemed faculty, and build long-standing relationships with students. I truly loved my experience in Kinesiology, and I also knew it was time for my next challenge. Now in LSA SAA, I am excited to contribute to the team in Academic Opportunities and Support assisting with pre-professional advising.
Why did you join SAA?
Two of my passions are working with students and working alongside academic advisors to elevate our profession. I was attracted to the Associate Director for Academic Opportunities and Support position within SAA due to the role's unique ability to do both; truly LSA SAA is probably the only place on campus where I could marry these two passions - to still have the opportunity to maintain contact with pre-health students and supervise a team of dedicated advisors!
Subject you love and why?
I love learning! To no surprise, I really enjoy learning more about Higher Education as the landscape evolves over time and specifically Academic Advising as a means to best meet students' needs. I also enjoy learning about others as well as learning more about myself. I believe that continuous investment in this learning helps me to do better in every facet of life.
Interests and hobbies:
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends including my dog, Carlton Banks-Oza. I also love to travel (specifically to a warm place with a beach or go to Disney!), go shopping (which takes place more online these days!), bake (my specialty are cupcakes!), explore new foods and restaurants (I will try any food item at least once!), and lounge around in comfy attire (aka sleep!).
