KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Go to class. Do your work. Ask for help.
Emblazoned on the wall at the entrance of the College of Arts and Sciences advising office, those are the words of the college’s longtime director of academic advising, Kevin Knutson, who retired after 27 years at Western Michigan University.
Those words, which stemmed from a simple question posed to Knutson about what it takes to succeed in college, became a sort of mantra for students who engaged with the advising office over the years.
“As an advisor, you’re here to help solve students’ problems. The most rewarding (part of the job) is the students,” Knutson says. “You always really remember the students that were about to throw in the towel and then they started to listen to the things that you are saying. Then just seeing their face when they walk across the stage at Miller and they give you a big hug. That is what it is all about.”
Knutson started at the University in 1994 as a residence hall director, a role he says really prepared him to “advise students and really look at them as a whole,” not just from an academic success lens.
Mike Picchietti, a 2012 School of Communications graduate, was one of those students whom Knutson advised in this way. Picchietti first met Knutson at a recruitment event to learn more about the University, and was moved to introduce himself after Knutson “gave such a genuine, amazing speech to all these kids sitting there.”
In that first moment, Picchietti and Knutson bonded over their shared love for hockey; Picchietti for the Chicago Blackhawks, Knutson the Detroit Red Wings. Over the course of his education, Picchietti built what would be a lifetime connection with Knutson, who helped him not just find his place academically but also navigate the challenges of college life.
“We would talk about life, family, my academics, my goals, what I wanted to do when I got out of here,” says Picchietti. “He did such a good job of balancing being your friend and giving you life advice but then being serious about classes. He really became almost like a father figure while I was there.”
Knutson continues to not only be a lifelong friend to Picchietti but a “huge piece” in the lives of Picchietti’s wife and family. “My entire family knows all about Kevin. I think about him and what he’s done for me. He’s just one of those people in your life that you never want to lose.”
Reflecting on his tenure at the University and looking ahead to retirement, Knutson says, “It’s about the little contributions you can make to the greater good of the University. It was a rewarding 27 years. I put my heart and soul into WMU and I have a deep care and pride in the institution.”
Knutson is succeeded as the college’s director of advising by Diana Blouin, who previously served as the college’s assistant director of advising.
This story is published as part of the College of Arts and Sciences Annual Magazine—view the 2022 Magazine online.