In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Ryan flies solo for a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Patricia (Patti) Griffin, Director of Academic Systems and Advisor Development at Fort Hays State University, a longtime NACADA leader, communication scholar, and proud member of Starbucks’ top 4% worldwide. ☕ Yes, really.

Patti reflects on grit, growth, 18 office moves, and a steadfast belief that listening is one of the most powerful tools an advisor can carry.

You’ll hear:

• How to balance big-picture systems thinking with day-to-day student realities
• What professional development should actually feel like
• And why sometimes the breakthrough comes after you almost give up

This conversation is equal parts practical wisdom and reflective fuel for advisors navigating change, complexity, and the ever-shifting landscape of higher education.

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

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

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

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

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.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

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

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.