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Emil Chuck, PhD
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Abstract: Graham Greer, the 2025 Health Professional Student Association Graduate Student Advisor of the Year, is interviewed by Dr. Emil Chuck (Director of Advising Services) about his career and role as a senior academic advisor for the Master of Public Health Program at the University of Missouri. Greer discusses his journey from Columbia College to Mizzou, including his responsibilities such as managing course loads, hosting orientations, and providing resources for students. He highlights the unique aspects of the veterinary public health program, the importance of internships, and the challenges of advising online students. Greer emphasizes the value of authenticity, preparation, and building strong relationships with students to help them achieve their academic and career goals.
Academic advising is a cornerstone of student success in higher education, providing guidance, support, and expertise as students navigate complex academic landscapes. In a recent interview as the 2025 HPSA Advisor of the Year (Graduate Student Advisor), Graham Greer, the Senior Academic Advisor for the Master of Public Health Program at the University of Missouri, shared his journey, philosophy, and practical wisdom on advising students.
Graham Greer’s path to becoming a professional advisor is marked by a deep commitment to education and student support. After graduating from Columbia College in 2004, Greer began his career as an administrative assistant for the college’s online program. “After a little more than a year, I became an academic advisor working there,” he recalls. Over the next several years, Greer refined his skills as an advisor, working with a diverse range of undergraduate majors and eventually assuming the role of academic advising specialist. In this capacity, he was responsible for creating documentation of best practices and policies, managing communications, and training advisors across the college’s many satellite campuses.
Despite the valuable experience gained in training and coordination, Greer found himself missing direct interaction with students. “That was really my favorite part of the job,” he reflects. This passion led him to a program coordinator position in Northern California before he ultimately joined the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in 2019 as the advisor for the graduate public health program. His arrival coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities as he worked with public health professionals during a global crisis.
Academic advising can vary significantly across institutions and programs. Greer notes differences between faculty advisors and academic advisors, “It’s my job to help students manage their course load, make sure that they’re scheduling the right classes to meet degree requirements. I’m a bit of a degree technician, so it’s my job to know the requirements for all of our programs really well.” He emphasizes the importance of sequencing courses, ensuring that students complete prerequisites before advancing to more specialized classes.
At Mizzou, Greer serves as the sole academic advisor for the graduate public health program, managing a caseload of approximately 200 to 300 students. “It’s a pretty ideal number of students for an academic advisor,” he observes. In contrast, undergraduate advising in the College of Health Sciences follows a centralized model, with advisors assigned to students based on their declared majors. Greer’s experience spans both models, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges and rewards of advising diverse student populations.
Central to Greer’s approach is the belief that advising is fundamentally about relationships. “A big part of the job is to be a resource hub,” he explains. “Even if I don’t know the answer, I’ll know where to find the answer for them, hopefully.” He strives to develop close, supportive relationships with students, encouraging them to be open about their challenges and aspirations. “Don’t hide mistakes from your advisor. They are there to help you through the program. And you know, as we have all learned, mistakes don’t just go away when you ignore them. You know it’s best to address them as quickly as possible.”
Greer recognizes the diversity of students he advises, from recent undergraduates and international students in the on-campus cohort to working professionals pursuing additional credentials online. “I want to develop a good relationship with the students, because I want to know what’s important for them. I don’t want this to be a prescriptive relationship where I’m telling the student what to do and they’re following orders.”
The Master of Public Health program at Mizzou offers two tracks: veterinary public health and health promotion and policy. The veterinary public health track, in particular, has grown due to its unique One Health Model, addressing zoonotic diseases, epidemiology, environmental health, and policy. “Our students go on to do quite a few different things. Public health is a very interdisciplinary field,” Greer notes.
Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate study presents new challenges for students. Greer advises, “The course load is going to be a little bit different than what students are used to as an undergraduate student. Generally, I recommend students do nine credit hours a semester.” He also discusses the importance of early planning for thesis or capstone options, as well as the required internship, which can be particularly challenging for online students. “The biggest challenge for me is to find internship opportunities for my online students who may not be in the state of Missouri. Right now is a challenging time to find internships. Funding for various programs is being cut, and there are just fewer opportunities.”
To support students, Greer collaborates with an internship coordinator and leverages university resources, including online tutoring and library services. He encourages students to take advantage. “For online students, it can be more difficult to establish a good connection to the university. I want to see that student in person as often as possible.”
Effective advising requires close collaboration with faculty. Greer describes a collegial environment where faculty and staff interact regularly through department meetings and committees. “I serve on quite a few committees, so I get to talk with those faculty who are subject matter experts, and I’m kind of a more curricular expert.” Faculty often reach out to Greer regarding students who may be struggling, using both informal conversations and formal systems to flag concerns. “There are a lot of different ways that faculty can reach out to me, but we definitely collaborate quite a bit, and I’m friends with some of the faculty.”
Greer’s advice for students centers on responsibility, communication, and self-awareness. He encourages students to be proactive in seeking help and to view their advisor as a partner in their academic journey. “I always tell students during their first meeting with me that I’m a good place to start. Even if I don’t know the answer, I’ll know where to find the answer.”
For fellow advisors and mentors, Greer emphasizes the importance of authenticity and expertise. “For me, authenticity is number one. Many fields require employees to consistently present themselves as professionals and maintain clear boundaries between themselves and their clients, students, or other relevant parties. But I also want students to know who I am as a person, what’s important to me, and that what I care most about is what’s important for them.” He also stresses the importance of preparation: “My first appointments begin at nine o’clock because I want to have that first hour (8 AM) blocked off to prep for any meetings that I may have that day.”
Greer’s approach is informed by a philosophy of humility and continuous learning. He recalls a formative lesson from a former instructor: “He wasn’t trying to be the sage on the stage who received automatic respect from students. You don’t respect someone because of their credentials. He wanted to earn the respect every time he stepped into a classroom. I thought that was a great philosophy. To have that kind of humility is very important to have in your relationship with students and really just anybody in your professional and personal life.”
Graham Greer’s reflections on academic advising illuminate the vital role advisors play in supporting student success. His commitment to authenticity, preparation, and relationship-building serves as a model for advisors and educators alike. By fostering open communication, leveraging institutional resources, and collaborating with faculty, Greer helps students navigate the challenges of graduate education and achieve their goals. As he puts it, “What I get to do is pretty cool. I get to advise students and help them achieve something that’s a goal of theirs.” In a field defined by service and support, Greer’s example reminds us of the profound impact a dedicated advisor can have on the lives of students.
Successful students proactively and authentically engage with expert advisors in addressing their challenges inside and outside of the classroom.
A generative AI tool helped to summarize highlights from the interview and suggested an initial draft of this article. Some quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity.
The post Academic Advising Best Practices for Student Success: Insights and Strategies from 2025 HPSA Advisor of the Year Graham Greer appeared first on Student Doctor Network Review.
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Abstract: Graham Greer, the 2025 Health Professional Student Association Graduate Student Advisor of the Year, is interviewed by Dr. Emil Chuck (Director of Advising Services) about his career and role as a senior academic advisor for the Master of Public Health Program at the University of Missouri. Greer discusses his journey from Columbia College to Mizzou, including his responsibilities such as managing course loads, hosting orientations, and providing resources for students. He highlights the unique aspects of the veterinary public health program, the importance of internships, and the challenges of advising online students. Greer emphasizes the value of authenticity, preparation, and building strong relationships with students to help them achieve their academic and career goals.
Introduction
Academic advising is a cornerstone of student success in higher education, providing guidance, support, and expertise as students navigate complex academic landscapes. In a recent interview as the 2025 HPSA Advisor of the Year (Graduate Student Advisor), Graham Greer, the Senior Academic Advisor for the Master of Public Health Program at the University of Missouri, shared his journey, philosophy, and practical wisdom on advising students.
Journey into Advising
Graham Greer’s path to becoming a professional advisor is marked by a deep commitment to education and student support. After graduating from Columbia College in 2004, Greer began his career as an administrative assistant for the college’s online program. “After a little more than a year, I became an academic advisor working there,” he recalls. Over the next several years, Greer refined his skills as an advisor, working with a diverse range of undergraduate majors and eventually assuming the role of academic advising specialist. In this capacity, he was responsible for creating documentation of best practices and policies, managing communications, and training advisors across the college’s many satellite campuses.
Despite the valuable experience gained in training and coordination, Greer found himself missing direct interaction with students. “That was really my favorite part of the job,” he reflects. This passion led him to a program coordinator position in Northern California before he ultimately joined the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in 2019 as the advisor for the graduate public health program. His arrival coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities as he worked with public health professionals during a global crisis.
The Role and Structure of Academic Advising
Academic advising can vary significantly across institutions and programs. Greer notes differences between faculty advisors and academic advisors, “It’s my job to help students manage their course load, make sure that they’re scheduling the right classes to meet degree requirements. I’m a bit of a degree technician, so it’s my job to know the requirements for all of our programs really well.” He emphasizes the importance of sequencing courses, ensuring that students complete prerequisites before advancing to more specialized classes.
At Mizzou, Greer serves as the sole academic advisor for the graduate public health program, managing a caseload of approximately 200 to 300 students. “It’s a pretty ideal number of students for an academic advisor,” he observes. In contrast, undergraduate advising in the College of Health Sciences follows a centralized model, with advisors assigned to students based on their declared majors. Greer’s experience spans both models, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges and rewards of advising diverse student populations.
Advising Philosophy and Building Relationships
Central to Greer’s approach is the belief that advising is fundamentally about relationships. “A big part of the job is to be a resource hub,” he explains. “Even if I don’t know the answer, I’ll know where to find the answer for them, hopefully.” He strives to develop close, supportive relationships with students, encouraging them to be open about their challenges and aspirations. “Don’t hide mistakes from your advisor. They are there to help you through the program. And you know, as we have all learned, mistakes don’t just go away when you ignore them. You know it’s best to address them as quickly as possible.”
Greer recognizes the diversity of students he advises, from recent undergraduates and international students in the on-campus cohort to working professionals pursuing additional credentials online. “I want to develop a good relationship with the students, because I want to know what’s important for them. I don’t want this to be a prescriptive relationship where I’m telling the student what to do and they’re following orders.”
Practical Aspects: Program Structure, Internships, and Student Support
The Master of Public Health program at Mizzou offers two tracks: veterinary public health and health promotion and policy. The veterinary public health track, in particular, has grown due to its unique One Health Model, addressing zoonotic diseases, epidemiology, environmental health, and policy. “Our students go on to do quite a few different things. Public health is a very interdisciplinary field,” Greer notes.
Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate study presents new challenges for students. Greer advises, “The course load is going to be a little bit different than what students are used to as an undergraduate student. Generally, I recommend students do nine credit hours a semester.” He also discusses the importance of early planning for thesis or capstone options, as well as the required internship, which can be particularly challenging for online students. “The biggest challenge for me is to find internship opportunities for my online students who may not be in the state of Missouri. Right now is a challenging time to find internships. Funding for various programs is being cut, and there are just fewer opportunities.”
To support students, Greer collaborates with an internship coordinator and leverages university resources, including online tutoring and library services. He encourages students to take advantage. “For online students, it can be more difficult to establish a good connection to the university. I want to see that student in person as often as possible.”
Collaboration with Faculty
Effective advising requires close collaboration with faculty. Greer describes a collegial environment where faculty and staff interact regularly through department meetings and committees. “I serve on quite a few committees, so I get to talk with those faculty who are subject matter experts, and I’m kind of a more curricular expert.” Faculty often reach out to Greer regarding students who may be struggling, using both informal conversations and formal systems to flag concerns. “There are a lot of different ways that faculty can reach out to me, but we definitely collaborate quite a bit, and I’m friends with some of the faculty.”
Advice for Students and Fellow Advisors
Greer’s advice for students centers on responsibility, communication, and self-awareness. He encourages students to be proactive in seeking help and to view their advisor as a partner in their academic journey. “I always tell students during their first meeting with me that I’m a good place to start. Even if I don’t know the answer, I’ll know where to find the answer.”
For fellow advisors and mentors, Greer emphasizes the importance of authenticity and expertise. “For me, authenticity is number one. Many fields require employees to consistently present themselves as professionals and maintain clear boundaries between themselves and their clients, students, or other relevant parties. But I also want students to know who I am as a person, what’s important to me, and that what I care most about is what’s important for them.” He also stresses the importance of preparation: “My first appointments begin at nine o’clock because I want to have that first hour (8 AM) blocked off to prep for any meetings that I may have that day.”
Greer’s approach is informed by a philosophy of humility and continuous learning. He recalls a formative lesson from a former instructor: “He wasn’t trying to be the sage on the stage who received automatic respect from students. You don’t respect someone because of their credentials. He wanted to earn the respect every time he stepped into a classroom. I thought that was a great philosophy. To have that kind of humility is very important to have in your relationship with students and really just anybody in your professional and personal life.”
Conclusion
Graham Greer’s reflections on academic advising illuminate the vital role advisors play in supporting student success. His commitment to authenticity, preparation, and relationship-building serves as a model for advisors and educators alike. By fostering open communication, leveraging institutional resources, and collaborating with faculty, Greer helps students navigate the challenges of graduate education and achieve their goals. As he puts it, “What I get to do is pretty cool. I get to advise students and help them achieve something that’s a goal of theirs.” In a field defined by service and support, Greer’s example reminds us of the profound impact a dedicated advisor can have on the lives of students.
Takeaways
Successful students proactively and authentically engage with expert advisors in addressing their challenges inside and outside of the classroom.
- Authentic Relationships Matter: Graham Greer emphasizes building genuine, supportive relationships with students, encouraging open communication and trust.
- Preparation is Key: Both advisors and students benefit from being well-prepared for meetings. Greer blocks off time each day to review notes and agendas to ensure productive sessions.
- Individualized Support: Advising is not one-size-fits-all. Greer tailors his approach to each student’s background, goals, and needs, whether they are recent graduates, working professionals, or international students.
- Resource Navigation: Advisors serve as resource hubs, helping students find answers and connect with university services, especially important for online and remote learners.
- Collaboration with Faculty: Regular communication and collaboration with faculty are essential for supporting students, addressing concerns, and maintaining program quality.
- Emphasis on Planning: Early discussions about course load, thesis or capstone options, and internship requirements help students set realistic expectations and achieve their goals.
- Humility and Authenticity: Greer models humility and authenticity, striving to earn students’ respect through expertise and genuine care, rather than relying solely on credentials.
- Advising as Service: Greer finds fulfillment in helping students achieve their goals, viewing advising as a meaningful and rewarding profession.
A generative AI tool helped to summarize highlights from the interview and suggested an initial draft of this article. Some quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity.
The post Academic Advising Best Practices for Student Success: Insights and Strategies from 2025 HPSA Advisor of the Year Graham Greer appeared first on Student Doctor Network Review.
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