Adventures in Advising

Thomas Beckwith with University of Florida leads a lively conversation with panelists: Tim Cox, Lafayette College; Kris Valentine, University of Florida and Shaura Thomas, University of Florida. Panelists break down what makes advising at two-year and four-year colleges so different—and why it matters. From centralized vs. faculty-driven models to the pace and scope of student interactions, panelists share real-world insights on ho...

Matt Markin from CSU San Bernardino and Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University dive into the exciting world of AI-powered tools reshaping the experiences of both students and advisors. They explore Google's NotebookLM, an AI assistant that digests your documents, delivers smart summaries, and even creates personalized audio overviews. They also check out Thea Study, a beta-stage platform offering AI-crafted study guides, fla...

In this inspiring episode, David Smith, Advising Specialist at Jefferson College, shares his remarkable 30+ year journey through higher education—from community college student to music professor to mentor and administrator. David dives into his work with the Region VII Mentoring Program and the power of academic coaching. Discover how tools like the action brainstorming worksheet help students turn goals into reality, and why seek...

Gavin Farber from The College of New Jersey guest hosts this episode focusing on sustainability in higher education and academic advising. Jessica Staten from Indiana University and Dr. Rebecca Hapes from Texas A&M University discuss the importance of identities beyond your roles and the necessity of change for sustainability, underscoring the resilience and adaptability required in higher education roles. Hapes and Staten high...

In this higher education administrators panel, Barbara Smith from The University of Texas at San Antonio and Jill Geisler Wheeler from the University of Arkansas highlight the need for professional development and support for advisors, while advocating for student and staff well-being. Both discuss the challenges of balancing technology's benefits with maintaining personal connections. Dr. Todd Chambers and Ryan Scheckel from ...

In Ep. 120, host Matt Markin uses the Mozart AI app to generate songs in various music genres and lyrics related to academic advising and higher education. Why? Just to see how fast artificial intelligence is evolving. What unique songs will the AI app create? Will it be creative, cringe, or a little bit of both? You decide!

Songs:

• 4:00 - Theme song for Adventures in Advising Podcast
• 6:37 - Loving What I Do
• 9:08 - Everyth...

In Ep. 119, guest host, Matt Plescia interviews Dr. Peter Howe, Associate Dean for Academics at Utah State University's Quinney College of Natural Resources, discusses his journey from Yale to USU, focusing on climate change perceptions and environmental risks. He emphasizes the importance of geography, GIS, and the role of faculty advisors in student success. Dr. Howe highlights the decentralized advising model at USU, which ...

In Ep. 118 of the Adventures in Advising podcast, Leander Yazzie, tribal relations liaison at the University of Washington Tacoma, facilitates a discussion with Devon Williams, Green River College; Alexis Perez, University of Washington Tacoma; and Cynthia DePoe, Pierce College Puyallup.

Panelists share their experiences and roles in supporting Native and Indigenous students, the challenges of advising non-traditional students, and ...

Dr. Duan Jackson from the California State University Office of the Chancellor discusses the evolution of her role as director of student advising initiatives in which she oversees advising and career services, new student orientation, and learning support. Duan highlights the importance of collaboration among California's higher education institutions, including the University of California, California State University, commu...

In this episode, Ben Hopper from the NACADA Executive Office shares information about the upcoming NACADA Region Conferences and why you should attend. Then, Dr. Tom Grites, a founding member of NACADA and retired provost from Stockton University, discusses his journey from a high school athlete to a higher education professional, highlighting his roles in academic advising, residence life, and his contributions to the NACADA organ...

Celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Adventures in Advising podcast, Megumi Makino-Kanehiro from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa interviews podcast co-creator Matt Markin about the history and continued relevance of the podcast, NACADA Involvement, and what’s next. Melinda Anderson from Achieving the Dream interviews Kyle Ross from the NACADA Executive Office about the direction of academic advising, his vision and goals, and his ...

In the first episode of 2025, we're continuing the conversation about artificial intelligence, by interviewing ChatGPT's AI about all things higher ed and academic advising! Matt Markin is joined by Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University on this episode.

3:52 - Matt interviews ChatGPT about how it differs from other AI platforms, in what ways other universities have already used AI, challenges AI faces when wor...

A short, fun 7-minute episode to close out 2024! Matt Markin is joined by Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University in interviewing Santa (or really the Santa voice mode in ChatGPT). What is Santa-GPT's message to academic advisors? Did advisors make the naughty or nice list this year? Let's find out. 

Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast ...

Dr. Roy Magnuson, Director of Emerging Technologies for Instruction and Research at Illinois State University discusses the powerful opportunities of artificial intelligence and the sound approaches we can take as individuals and as a broader institution. How can we leverage AI to enhance the student/advisor relationships and are there avenues we are not considering with AI? Guest host is Michael 'Brody' Broshears, Illino...

Dr. Peter Fitch and Dr. Kathryn Woods from University College London join the podcast to tell you more about the upcoming UKAT Conference in April 2025! Find out what it means to foster positive emotion and build partnerships and connections by "Learning Well." Also learn about UCL, Peter and Kathryn's career journeys, and where their inspiration is drawn from to enhance the student voice. 

Submit a proposa...

Nathan Vickers, associate director for NACADA Consulting, discusses his 20-year career at The University of Texas at Austin before transitioning to the NACADA Executive Office. He'll also address how strategic, data-informed programs can maximize the role of academic advising. Dr. Zoranna Jones, assistant dean for student support at Texas Christian University, discusses navigating changes in higher education, diversity in lead...

Dr. Gabe Bermea, visiting scholar at the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions interviews Dr. Nicole Gonzalez, director of the advising resource center at University of Arizona and Lina Anastasovitou, doctoral candidate at National University on the unique experiences of Latino students in higher education. The panel explores the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), strategies for retention and completion, and t...

To celebrate National Transfer Student Week, Campbell Keele, coordinator of transfer initiatives at Missouri State University offers tips for advisors working with transfer students in various scenarios, planning activities and events for transfer students with no budget, and receiving the Transfer-Champion Rising Star award.

Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle f...

Advisors, administrators, and student success practitioners create stronger workplaces through their connections because they understand the full spectrum of highs and lows; challenges, and rewards in their roles. Longevity in the field has created difficulties for professionals to remain in one position or institution. Reaching ten years or longer in the field allows educators to reflect on how they forged creative sustainable car...