3rd Annual Advising and Success Conference
Join us for the 3rd Annual Advising and Success Mini-Conference on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from Noon to 5 p.m. at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This free event feature keynote speaker, Mo Brooks, followed by engaging breakout sessions designed to enhance advising practices and student success. Lunch and a swag bag will be provided for all attendees. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and strengthen our community.
Agenda
Agenda
| 11 a.m. | Room 2130 | Presenters and Keynote Speaker Check In |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. | Room 2130 | Lunch |
| 1 to 1:45 p.m. | Room 2000 | Keynote Presentation |
| 1:55 to 2:40 p.m. | Session One | |
| Room 1235 - Leona Carter Room 1255 - Dillon Dolby Room 1220 - Tomika Griffin-Brown | ||
| 2:50 to 3:35 p.m. | Session Two | |
| Room 1120 - Josh Kohnert Room 1245 - Valaree Kyser Room 1325 - Noemi Mendez and Jordan Johnson | ||
| 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. | Session Three | |
| Room 1235 - Nathan Nguyen Room 1220 - Noah Mercil Room 1255 - Mckenzie Vliek Room 2150 - Luchara Wallace | ||
| 4:30 to 5 p.m. | Room 2150 | Closing Reflections and Remarks |
Our Speakers
Our Keynote Speaker
Mo Brooks, MA
Executive Leadership Coach
"Excellence in Student Success"
Mo Brooks is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach, organizational consultant, and motivational keynote speaker dedicated to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential. He serves as Assistant Director of Leadership Gifts at Western Michigan University. He is the founder of Underground Impact, LLC, a coaching and consulting company focused on strengths-based leadership, organizational development, and team growth. Mo is also the author of three books and the host of The Freedom Fighters Podcast. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, watching stand-up comedy, and spending time with his wife and three children.
Leona Carter
Academic and Career Pathway Advisor, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Expertise of the Heart: Seeing the Whole Student
Dillon Dolby
Senior Academic Advisor, Western Michigan University
Different Generation, Same Dream: Empowering Adult Degree Completers through Strengths-Based Advising
Tomika Griffin-Brown
Assistant Dean of Academic Advising, Western Michigan University
Leading with Wellness: Modeling Self-Care for Your Team
Josh Kohnert
Program Manager, Peer2Peer and Student Employee Development, Western Michigan University
The WMU Well-Being Playbook: A Practical Framework for Building Campus Wellness Culture
Valaree Kyser
Equity Outreach Specialist and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Western Michigan University
Supporting Students Impacted by Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct: Creating Pathways for Academic Success and Retention
Noemi Mendez and Jordan Johnson
Navigation Specialists for Multicultural Affairs for Students, Western Michigan University
From Barriers to Belonging: Navigating Student Success for Students of Color
Noah Mercil
Academic Advisor, Western Michigan University
Using Principles of Hiking to Assist Returning Students
Nathan Nguyen
Director of LGBT Student Services, Western Michigan University
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American/Asian (APIDA/A) Student Diversity, Experiences, and Cultural Awareness
Mckenzie Vliek
Academic Advisor Senior, Western Michigan University
Coach-Based Advising: A Student-Centered Approach
Luchara Wallace, Ph. D.
Dean, Merze Tate College, Western Michigan University
Purposeful Community Building in Professional Spaces