As alumni, you remember the mentors, faculty members, and advisors who guided you through your academic journey—whether by recommending a course that shaped your career, offering clarity during moments of uncertainty, or simply reminding you that you belonged. Today, academic advising continues to be one of the most impactful forms of student support, evolving in meaningful ways to meet the changing needs of students and the world they are preparing to enter.
According to Dr. Sherry Harrel, Associate Dean in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM), “Academic advising in the college has become a cornerstone of student success, moving beyond course selection to a holistic approach that fosters belonging, career readiness, and persistence. Advisors serve as strategic partners, guiding students through majors, internships, research opportunities, and long-term goals while collaborating with faculty and campus resources.”
Retention and graduation rates are central to EKU’s mission, and CSTEM advising plays a critical role in achieving these goals. CSTEM advising combines personalized support with technology and proactive outreach. Four professional advisors, Timothy Shearer, Sabrina Moore, Holly Rabnott, and Dendra Allen, provide expert guidance. Initiatives like recruit-back outreach help re-engage students who have not registered for the next term by resolving holds and encouraging persistence. Tools such as DegreeWorks, Advising 360, and Slate enable degree audits, early alerts, and streamlined scheduling, ensuring students receive timely and personalized support.
“Advising is about more than schedules and degree plans. It’s about building relationships and helping students feel like they truly belong at EKU,” Shearer said. “When students feel supported, they are more likely to stay, succeed, and graduate.”
Rabnott stated, “I once heard someone say, ‘Be the person that they don’t have,’ and that is something that has stuck with me since becoming an advisor. To me, that is what advising is about- going the extra step for our students so that they feel seen and supported. I want my students to know that they can come to me about anything.”
EKU invests in advising excellence through ongoing professional development, including training in advising systems, mental health first aid, and strategies for addressing academic challenges. Monthly innovation sessions keep advisors at the forefront of best practices.
Despite technological advances, advising remains deeply personal. Advisors listen, guide, and empower students to turn challenges into growth, which impacts lives far beyond graduation. Alumni can play a vital role by mentoring, offering internships, and sharing career journeys to connect classroom learning with real-world pathways.
“With continued investment, collaboration, and alumni engagement, CSTEM advising will remain a driving force in student success helping EKU achieve its retention and graduation goals while shaping the next generation of innovators,” Dr. Harrel said.