Rachel Brown

Education

Advising Philosophy

As an academic advisor, I believe in the transformative power of higher education and the critical role of personalized support in helping students thrive. My mission is to foster academic and professional growth by offering inclusive, student-centered guidance that empowers individuals to navigate their college journey with confidence and purpose. In addition to serving students, I hold a deep commitment to the values of my institution and to the continuous advancement of the advising profession.

 Core Values and Beliefs

I believe every student brings a unique combination of strengths, experiences, and aspirations. My role is to help students recognize and build upon those strengths through thoughtful course planning, individualized support, and meaningful connections to campus resources. I encourage students to view college as a holistic experience that extends beyond the classroom—one that includes extracurricular involvement, internships, leadership opportunities, and global engagement.

I also help students navigate academic and personal challenges with empathy, honesty, and practical strategies. I aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds and identities feel heard, respected, and empowered to define success on their own terms.

To provide the highest quality support, I stay engaged in professional development, maintain knowledge of current advising models and institutional policies, and collaborate with colleagues to share insights and improve practices. I view myself as both a practitioner and a learner, continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of students and the broader academic community.

Theoretical Framework 

My advising practice is primarily informed by Developmental and Appreciative Advising models. I emphasize student autonomy, critical thinking, and long-term planning, guiding students as they make informed decisions and take ownership of their educational path. Using the Appreciative Advising framework—Disarm, Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver, and Don’t Settle—I help students identify their strengths, reflect on their goals, and create actionable plans grounded in self-awareness and motivation.

In addition, I incorporate principles of Proactive and Holistic Advising. I aim to anticipate student needs, reach out early, and address challenges before they escalate. I consider the full scope of a student’s well-being, including mental health, financial pressures, and personal responsibilities, and connect them with appropriate resources across campus. This comprehensive approach ensures students receive timely and relevant support at every stage of their academic journey.

Practical Application

My advising philosophy comes to life in the conversations I have with students each day. I approach each interaction as an opportunity to build trust, encourage reflection, and support informed choices that align with individual goals.

When working with students exploring major changes, I help them revisit their interests, clarify their career aspirations, and evaluate potential paths. I provide tools, referrals, and timelines to support a smooth transition, and encourage open communication throughout the process.

For students facing academic difficulty, particularly those on warning, I reach out proactively—often within the first few weeks of the term. These conversations are grounded in empathy and accountability. Together, we identify contributing factors, explore academic and personal resources, and develop clear next steps. I continue supporting these students through follow-up meetings and email check-ins, always considering the broader context of their experiences.

Conclusion

I view academic advising not just as a support function, but as a catalyst for student transformation. Through intentional, inclusive, and holistic advising, I help students navigate uncertainty, recognize their potential, and take meaningful steps toward their academic, personal, and professional goals. I am deeply committed to continuous growth—both as a practitioner and as a partner in each student’s journey—and take pride in helping future engineers and leaders move forward with confidence, purpose, and resilience.