This month we are spotlighting Ashley Finkley, Academic Advisor in the School of Health Sciences at Oakland University!

What has your career path been like up to this point?

For the past 21 years, I have worked in various capacities

with students of all ages and abilities. While pursuing my undergraduate degree (psychology) and graduate degree (school and professional counseling) from Central Michigan University, I coordinated year-round academic and recreational youth programming. Those experiences solidified my passion for working with students to support their academic, social, and emotional development. Upon graduation, the next eight years were spent in a very rewarding career as a high school counselor serving in two districts prior to joining Oakland University as an Academic Advisor in 2022. 

What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my naughty but adorable dog Delilah. I love cooking, gardening, going to concerts, and vacationing at my family's cabin each summer. This fall, I started my Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership; being back in the classroom has reignited my passion for learning.

Could you tell us more about the time you’ve spent there advising?

My first position within Oakland University was in our First Year Advising Center (FYAC) as an Academic Advisor. In this role I worked with a team of other advisors to assist and guide students in their first year, from orientation all the way through their freshman year. The opportunity to work in the FYAC provided an excellent overview of multiple academic majors and degree planning, support services available on Oakland's campus, and how advisors, staff, and faculty work collaboratively in a variety of ways for the good of each student. While in the FYAC, I was elected by my peers to serve as the academic advising representative on the University Senate Mental Health Committee, a position I continue to hold to this day.

In April of 2024 I accepted an academic advising position within Oakland University's School of Health Sciences (SHS), working primarily with students pursuing Exercise Science or Nutrition majors. Not long after joining the SHS, I was offered the opportunity to teach a freshman course; Intro to Collegiate Communication. Without a doubt, teaching was one of the most enriching experiences I've had so far. Facilitating this course gave me a different perspective as to what students are facing in the classroom, the technology and resources required to be successful, and even more insight on how to connect with and support our students.

Given my previous experience at the high school level and leading summer programming, I was asked to join the newly formed School of Health Sciences Summer Camp Planning Committee. Over the past two summers, in collaboration with campus partners and faculty, we've hosted two sessions of week-long camps to introduce nearly 100 local high school students to the wide world of health science careers and programs available at OU. 

This past April, I was honored to be elected and serve on our Professional Advisers Council (PAC) as the Chair-Elect. In July I became the PAC Chair, and since then have been enjoying planning and hosting our monthly meetings where we focus on continuing to build our advising community through professional development and connections across campus. 

Congratulations on receiving your mini grant! Could you tell us about how you will use the funds and what it means to you?

As PAC Chair, my goal is to embolden our advisors and meet the needs and initiatives of our advising community. Advisors on our campus have identified a desire to incorporate more professional development opportunities throughout the year. In my PAC role, I began to curate a listing of free on-demand digital resources for advisors to access learning on a multitude of topics. Having the opportunity for outside funding to also support our PD initiative has been incredibly validating. Funds awarded from MIACADA the mini grant were spent on two textbooks from the NACADA bookstore: Academic Advising Approaches: Strategies That Teach Students to Make the Most of College and The New Advisor Guidebook: Mastering the Art of Academic Advising, 2nd ed., which will be used to further develop advisor skill sets and advising practices at OU.

What stands out to you the most about your experiences with MIACADA so far? 

I've been fortunate to attend the MIACADA conference for the past two years, and have been so impressed by the level of professionalism and outstanding work advisors across Michigan are contributing to our field. I appreciate that we have this well-organized conference to come together as coworkers and colleagues, learning and growing from one another to continue pushing the profession forward. In my experience, the professional development we gain at the MIACADA conference doesn't stop when the conference ends, but instead serves as a starting point for new ideas and conversations to be had back at campus.  

What advice would you give to new advising professionals entering the field?

Get involved and put yourself out there! It can be a challenge at first while balancing learning your new role, but it is absolutely worth it. Be curious and open to the new things that this position and working on campus has to offer. Get to know your colleagues, find a great mentor, and surround yourself with people who believe in and challenge you.