What does it take to build meaningful, scalable professional development for academic advisors across an entire university system?

In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan pull back the curtain on a remarkable systemwide effort within the University of Texas System: the creation and launch of the Fundamentals of Excellence in Academic Advising learning modules. Joined by Angie Barrera, Weston Rose, Dr. Heather Smith, and Dr. Rebecca Karoff, the conversation traces this initiative from early vision to implementation, highlighting the collaboration, trust-building, and intentional design required to support advising at scale.

Listeners will hear how system leadership partnered with campus practitioners, how advisor voices shaped the curriculum, and how flexibility was preserved across diverse institutional contexts. Along the way, the guests share lessons learned, early outcomes, and insights for other systems seeking to elevate advising as a profession and a cornerstone of student success.

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In this special episode of Adventures and Advising, guest host Dr. Margaret Mbindyo (Millersville University) leads a rich, eye-opening conversation with Rasha Tawfik (American University of Sharjah) and Miriam Khalil (Northwestern University in Qatar). Together, they explore what academic advising looks like in the Middle East and what advisors everywhere can learn from it.

From family-centered student success and culturally responsive advising to global similarities in student anxiety, transition, and belonging, this episode challenges assumptions and expands perspectives. You’ll hear why advising in the Middle East is deeply relational, how empathy transcends borders, and why students across the world are far more alike than different.

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In this special episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt welcomes back Dr. Craig McGill from Kansas State University for a bold and slightly unconventional experiment: a friendly debate with ChatGPT on the professionalization of academic advising.

Craig makes the case for why academic advising must continue to professionalize to gain legitimacy, resources, respect, and fair compensation, while ChatGPT plays the thoughtful skeptic, raising questions about flexibility, accessibility, and unintended barriers.

After the debate, Matt and Craig reflect on what the exchange revealed about the field, the limits of GenAI critique, and what professionalization really means for advisors’ day-to-day work. If you care about the future of academic advising, advisor identity, or just want to hear a scholar debate a GenAI, this episode delivers insight, humor, and plenty of food for thought 🤖

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What happens when you put four Kansas State University faculty members, two curious cohosts, and a whole lot of passion for student success in the same podcast episode? You get a masterclass in what academic advising really looks like behind the scenes. Matt and Ryan chat with Drs. Ambyr Rios, Shabina Kavimandan, Vicki Sherbert, and Michael Lawson from Kansas State University about their approach to academic advising as faculty and the rewards and challenges they encounter. From Crash the Class surprises to study abroad storytelling to justice-centered pedagogy, this episode is packed with insight.

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The NASPA Undergraduate Student Conference isn’t just another conference—it’s a launchpad. Charlie Sloop from Michigan State University and Derrick Ball from Texas A&M University join us to break down what students can expect, how the conference creates space for leadership and belonging, and why this experience sticks long after the closing session. From professional development to meaningful connection, this conversation is your all-access pass to what’s coming and why it matters.

For more information, check out the NASPA USC website!

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🎒🌍 What happens when international student success meets academic advising, data, and a whole lot of heart?

In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan are joined by Dr. Ling LeBeau and Dr. Steven Schaffling from Syracuse University to unpack an award-winning framework that’s redefining how institutions support international students from day one to year one and beyond.

Together, they explore how intentional onboarding, structured peer mentoring, advisor training, and proactive communication helped boost retention to 91.5%, the highest in a decade. Along the way, they dig into what it really takes to build community across cultures, support students during global uncertainty, and design advising models in higher education.

Expect thoughtful insights, honest reflections, practical takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at how one bold idea grew into a nationally recognized model. Whether you work in advising, international education, student success, or leadership, this episode is packed with inspiration you can adapt to your own campus.

🎧 Press play for data, dialogue, and a reminder that student success is always better when it’s built together.

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Six years. Hundreds of conversations. Countless “aha” moments. In this special anniversary episode of, Matt and Ryan chat with Dana Zahorik, Kyle Ross, and Jennifer Rush about the NACADA Institutes. They break down how these immersive experiences turn big advising challenges into doable next steps. Think intimate cohorts, expert faculty, and real take-home impact.

Then, Matt and Ryan are joined by special guest Jeff Elliott, Executive Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising at Purdue University. Jeff takes us on a journey of leadership lessons, ethical questions around AI in advising, and how to give advisors the same care and intentionality we give our students. From delegation guilt to automation, Waypoints, and even comic book philosophy, this conversation covers a lot of ground and sticks the landing.

Here’s to six years… and to whatever adventures come next. 🚀

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Matt and Ryan ring in the new year by blending reflection, realism, and a little sci-fi sparkle. Returning fan-favorite Melinda Anderson sets the tone with a powerful, compassionate conversation about navigating burnout, redefining expectations, building personal capacity, and leading through uncertainty. No fluffy resolutions here.

Matt and Ryan then go full Adventures in Advising by interviewing not one, but two AI voice companions from Sesame: Miles and Maya. Together, they explore what AI can (and cannot) do for academic advising, higher education, ethics, student support, and the future of the profession. Expect thoughtful insights, lightning-round questions, Star Trek debates, and moments where you briefly forget you’re listening to a machine 🤖✨

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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