瓜子TV

 

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The College of Education and Human Services at 瓜子TV State University is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural Academic Advisor Academy.

Professional development led by Dr. Ben Littlepage, professor of postsecondary education and administration, and championed by Peggy Whaley, director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success and her staff, the academy offers academic advisors the opportunity to participate in a semester-long community of practice focused on enhancing their effectiveness in advising students.

Littlepage said his motivation behind launching the academy stems from his own experience as an advisor. 

鈥淔aculty play a vital role in supporting students, yet they often enter advising without formal training,鈥� Littlepage said. 鈥淚 saw an opportunity to create a community of practice that not only equips faculty with essential advising competencies, but also affirms the critical role they play in student success. With strong support from campus leadership, the academy was designed to be a sustainable model for professional growth鈥攐ne that elevates advising from course registration to meaningful student engagement.鈥�

The academy is designed for probationary faculty and instructors who have advising responsibilities. Its goal is to help faculty develop effective advising practices early in their tenure at 瓜子TV State.

The academy was built around three key phases鈥攃onceptual, informational and relational鈥攖hrough which participants applied advising theories, leveraged institutional resources to support student success and developed inclusive communication skills to enhance student engagement and achievement.

Guests from the Registrar鈥檚 Office, Financial Aid, the Scholarship Office, the University Counseling Center, Career Services and the Center for Student Engagement and Success attended sessions to provide advisors with resources to better support their advisees throughout their time at 瓜子TV State.

Dr. David Whaley, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, expressed strong support for the academy, emphasizing its potential to positively impact both faculty development and student success.

鈥淭he Academic Advisor Academy is an outstanding initiative that will serve as a vital resource for probationary faculty and instructors,鈥� Whaley said. 鈥淏y engaging in a semester-long community of practice, led by Dr. Ben Littlepage, our new faculty gain valuable tools and insights to enhance their effectiveness as academic advisors early in their careers. This not only supports their professional growth but also strengthens student retention and success across the university.鈥�

Participants of the advisor academy spoke highly of their experience. 

Dr. Jessica Pryor, assistant professor of early childhood and elementary education, said the academy has helped her become a more thoughtful and responsive advisor.

鈥淲hile I entered with a solid foundation in helping students build schedules and respond to crises, I now see how advising is a partnership rooted in listening, trust and connections,鈥� Pryor said. 鈥淒r. Littlepage created a space to reflect and provided resources to guide students. Advising is a shared journey where I help students discover their direction and find what they need as they take their next steps.鈥�

Dr. Abbigail Morris, coordinator of the education administration program, said advising is a key component of her role and that the academy has better equipped her to support her students.

鈥淎s someone relatively new to the world of higher education, having access to Dr. Littlepage and this cohort of advisors has provided me with insights I previously did not have,鈥� Morris said. 鈥淭his experience has helped me better understand the role of an advisor beyond simply guiding students through coursework.鈥�

Marshall Hayes, instructor of social work, also participated in the academy. 

Hayes said it combined professional instruction with the added value of attending peer sessions that fostered collaboration and deeper learning.

Peggy Whaley, director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success, said effective advising strengthens retention, persistence and students鈥� sense of belonging.

鈥淔or many years, I've aimed to provide meaningful professional development opportunities for academic advisors,鈥� Whaley said. 鈥淭he launch of the Academic Advisor Academy fulfilled that vision 鈥� offering relevant, practical and valuable learning experiences for both advisors and the students they support.鈥�

The goal is to expand this opportunity to other colleges and schools on 瓜子TV State鈥檚 campus. 

Funding for the initiative was provided by the College of Education and Human Services, Center for Student Engagement and Success and the Provost's Office.

Individuals with questions are encouraged to contact Dr. Littlepage at blittlepage@murraystate.edu to learn more about the Academic Advisor Academy.