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Student Success Advisors

Student Success Advisors

Once you’re admitted to an online program at Boise State University, Student Success Advisors work with you to navigate registering for classes each semester and assist you with accessing the resources you need to successfully pursue your educational goals. Online students are often faced with unique circumstances. Our advisors are familiar with online learners and can offer experience and perspective that will help you have a positive and successful online experience.

Some of the Questions We Can Answer

  • What classes should I take?
  • What are the course prerequisites?
  • What resources are available to me as an online student?
  • Who do I contact for help?
  • How do I complete an academic appeal?

Meet Our Advising Team

  • Liesl Milan

    Liesl Milan

    Undergraduate Advising Manager

    As a Boise State University alum and a lifelong learner, I understand the challenges of attending college so I am excited to be your advisor for your first semester! I’ll help you select your classes and make sure that you have a happy and successful first-year experience. I’m looking forward to getting to know you over the next few months. I hope that you will see me as your main support and advocate for anything related to academic, campus life or in general.

    As a Boise State University alum and a lifelong learner, I understand the challenges of attending college so I am excited to be your advisor for your first semester! I’ll help you select your classes and make sure that you have a happy and successful first-year experience. I’m looking forward to getting to know you over the next few months. I hope that you will see me as your main support and advocate for anything related to academic, campus life or in general.

  • Ciara Allen

    Ciara Allen

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    Hello Bronco! I am passionate about helping students actualize a successful academic career and enjoy the journey along the way. Everyone’s educational experience is unique and I am here to help make sure you have the information, resources and guidance needed to help you achieve your goals. I am a Boise local and a proud Boise State University alum. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner, daughter and Gryffindor, my very large chocolate lab. I look forward to working with you.

    Hello Bronco! I am passionate about helping students actualize a successful academic career and enjoy the journey along the way. Everyone’s educational experience is unique and I am here to help make sure you have the information, resources and guidance needed to help you achieve your goals. I am a Boise local and a proud Boise State University alum. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner, daughter and Gryffindor, my very large chocolate lab. I look forward to working with you.

  • Dan Brock

    Dan Brock

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    Welcome to Boise State! I grew up in a small Michigan farm town. I went to Saginaw Valley State University where I was able to obtain my bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in music performance. The start of my college career was a bit rocky but I had a staff member there coach me in the right direction. I ended up becoming a resident assistant and took interest in student affairs and higher education. I followed that path and ended up getting my master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. I am an amputee and play for the National Standing Amputee Hockey team. I have two cats named Zelda and Tybalt. My wife and I like to take our son out for hikes in the mountains when we get free time.

    Bachelor of Applied Science, Interdisciplinary Professional Studies and Digital Innovation and Design

    Welcome to Boise State! I grew up in a small Michigan farm town. I went to Saginaw Valley State University where I was able to obtain my bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in music performance. The start of my college career was a bit rocky but I had a staff member there coach me in the right direction. I ended up becoming a resident assistant and took interest in student affairs and higher education. I followed that path and ended up getting my master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. I am an amputee and play for the National Standing Amputee Hockey team. I have two cats named Zelda and Tybalt. My wife and I like to take our son out for hikes in the mountains when we get free time.

  • Britta Ernst

    Britta Ernst

    Student Success Advisor

    I am a transplant from the Midwest. I graduated with my bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and geography. After traversing the United States and South America for a few years, I settled back in Kansas where I worked as an academic advisor for the University of Kansas. After a little more than three years, I moved to Boise, Idaho, where I have worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and as an advisor for pre-nursing students at Boise State. I am excited to help students reach their goals. When not skiing, camping or biking with my family, I dig in the garden attempting to find my green thumb.

    I am a transplant from the Midwest. I graduated with my bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and geography. After traversing the United States and South America for a few years, I settled back in Kansas where I worked as an academic advisor for the University of Kansas. After a little more than three years, I moved to Boise, Idaho, where I have worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and as an advisor for pre-nursing students at Boise State. I am excited to help students reach their goals. When not skiing, camping or biking with my family, I dig in the garden attempting to find my green thumb.

  • A head shot of Megan Fahey, a student advisor at Boise State University

    Megan Fahey

    Student Success Advisor

    I have been lucky enough to advise a variety of students in my career in higher education, from musical theater majors to executive MBAs and a little of everything in between. My academic background is in creative writing, and I hold master’s degrees in both writing and fiction.
    My goal as your advisor is to prioritize your particular needs in order to make your time as a Bronco (and beyond!) as successful as possible. I am excited to work with you!

    Schedule an appointment for Integrated Strategic Communications or Online Degree Pathway

    Schedule and appointment for Public Health or Imaging Sciences

    Online Degree Pathway, Integrated Strategic Communications and Public Health

    I have been lucky enough to advise a variety of students in my career in higher education, from musical theater majors to executive MBAs and a little of everything in between. My academic background is in creative writing, and I hold master’s degrees in both writing and fiction.
    My goal as your advisor is to prioritize your particular needs in order to make your time as a Bronco (and beyond!) as successful as possible. I am excited to work with you!

    Schedule an appointment for Integrated Strategic Communications or Online Degree Pathway

    Schedule and appointment for Public Health or Imaging Sciences

  • Jo Ann Fenner

    Jo Ann Fenner

    Senior Student Success Advisor, Senior OPWL Coordinator

    Hello, future students! My name is Jo Ann and I was part of the team that developed and offered the first online course in the Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program. Please contact me if you have questions about course planning, jobs, our student community, networking opportunities and anything else — I’m here to help you succeed!

    Hello, future students! My name is Jo Ann and I was part of the team that developed and offered the first online course in the Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning program. Please contact me if you have questions about course planning, jobs, our student community, networking opportunities and anything else — I’m here to help you succeed!

  • Ariel Gonzalez portrait

    Ariel Gonzalez

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    As a non-traditional Boise State alum and lifelong student, I know every educational experience can be unique. I am passionate about online education and supporting students wherever they are. I look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals.

    As a non-traditional Boise State alum and lifelong student, I know every educational experience can be unique. I am passionate about online education and supporting students wherever they are. I look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals.

  • Donna Haney Portrait

    Donna Haney

    Senior Advising Coordinator

    I am passionate about education and enjoy helping my students reach their goals. I have been working as an advisor for over ten years and within the Master of Social Work Online since 2015. I look forward to learning more about you and assisting with your journey!

    I am passionate about education and enjoy helping my students reach their goals. I have been working as an advisor for over ten years and within the Master of Social Work Online since 2015. I look forward to learning more about you and assisting with your journey!

  • Jake Hellenkamp

    Jake Hellenkamp

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    Let’s talk about your personal, educational and professional goals! I’ll provide resources and information to help you succeed as an online student at Boise State University and support you throughout your journey to completing your degree.

    About me: I earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Washington State University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. My professional experience has been mainly in the government and non-profit sectors where I’ve been focused on community development, public safety and communications.

    Let’s talk about your personal, educational and professional goals! I’ll provide resources and information to help you succeed as an online student at Boise State University and support you throughout your journey to completing your degree.

    About me: I earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Washington State University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. My professional experience has been mainly in the government and non-profit sectors where I’ve been focused on community development, public safety and communications.

  • Sarah Maier

    Sarah Maier

    Student Success Advisor

    Hello Bronco! I grew up in Carson City and attended the University of Nevada where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science in International Business. I’ve had the chance to work with students all over the country and globe during my career in higher education, and I love helping students and seeing them succeed. When I’m not at my desk, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and traveling. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you to achieve your goals!

    Bachelor of Applied Science, Interdisciplinary Professional Studies and Pre-Advanced Medical Imaging

    Hello Bronco! I grew up in Carson City and attended the University of Nevada where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science in International Business. I’ve had the chance to work with students all over the country and globe during my career in higher education, and I love helping students and seeing them succeed. When I’m not at my desk, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and traveling. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you to achieve your goals!

  • Faye Montoya

    Faye Montoya

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    As your advisor, my goal is to support you as you pursue your degree and help you access the many resources and support the university has to ensure your success. I enjoy seeing students grow and change as they journey through their education. I completed two degrees as a full-time working parent, and I understand the balance it takes to juggle work, school, family and life. When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, nature, spending time with my family and my dogs.

    Bachelor of Applied Science and Interdisciplinary Professional Studies

    As your advisor, my goal is to support you as you pursue your degree and help you access the many resources and support the university has to ensure your success. I enjoy seeing students grow and change as they journey through their education. I completed two degrees as a full-time working parent, and I understand the balance it takes to juggle work, school, family and life. When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, nature, spending time with my family and my dogs.

  • Elena Perez Portrait

    Elena Pérez

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    Welcome to Boise State! I am a first-generation college graduate and hold a Bachelors of Arts in International Studies, Sociology and Spanish as well as a Master of Science in Human Resource Development.

    I was born and raised in Mexico, but moved to Idaho in 2010. Since then, I have called it my home. I have been working in higher education since 2017 and deeply enjoy working with students to achieve their goals. I am thrilled for the opportunity to apply my experience, knowledge and passion to assist you in your journey to complete your Master of Social Work Online!

    Welcome to Boise State! I am a first-generation college graduate and hold a Bachelors of Arts in International Studies, Sociology and Spanish as well as a Master of Science in Human Resource Development.

    I was born and raised in Mexico, but moved to Idaho in 2010. Since then, I have called it my home. I have been working in higher education since 2017 and deeply enjoy working with students to achieve their goals. I am thrilled for the opportunity to apply my experience, knowledge and passion to assist you in your journey to complete your Master of Social Work Online!

  • Guadalupe Rodriguez, an student advisor to Boise State Online students

    Guadalupe Rodriguez-Juarez

    Student Success Advisor

    Welcome Broncos! I am a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and a minor in English from Boise State University. I have worked in education for a total of ten years, and six of those years have been in higher education.

    I find joy in guiding students along the way as they attain achievements and milestones they had not imagined were in their power. I am delighted to connect and accompany you in pursuing your goals with Boise State University!

    Welcome Broncos! I am a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and a minor in English from Boise State University. I have worked in education for a total of ten years, and six of those years have been in higher education.

    I find joy in guiding students along the way as they attain achievements and milestones they had not imagined were in their power. I am delighted to connect and accompany you in pursuing your goals with Boise State University!

  • Larissa Samson

    Larissa Samson

    Assistant Director, Advising

    I earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Montana and a Master of Science in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh. I believe in the value of a college education, and I look forward to collaborating with you so that you can reach your educational goals. When not behind my desk, you will find me drinking far too much coffee, hiking with my dogs and hitting the gym.

    Digital Innovation + Design, Bachelor of Applied Science and Interdisciplinary Professional Studies

    I earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Montana and a Master of Science in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh. I believe in the value of a college education, and I look forward to collaborating with you so that you can reach your educational goals. When not behind my desk, you will find me drinking far too much coffee, hiking with my dogs and hitting the gym.

  • Portrait of Corina Sanchez

    Corina Sanchez

    Student Success Advisor

    Hello and welcome to Boise State! I believe in the value of education and am passionate about providing students from all walks of life the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. My favorite part about my role is seeing you learn and grow professionally and personally throughout your journey as an online student. I look forward to supporting your academic goals and getting to know you! Go Broncos!

    Hello and welcome to Boise State! I believe in the value of education and am passionate about providing students from all walks of life the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. My favorite part about my role is seeing you learn and grow professionally and personally throughout your journey as an online student. I look forward to supporting your academic goals and getting to know you! Go Broncos!

  • Kooper Sheeley

    Kooper Sheeley

    Student Success Advisor

    Welcome to Boise State! I am originally from small town Connecticut before moving to Pittsburgh, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Arts Management and Master’s in Higher Education Management. I began working in student affairs and higher education as a resident assistant before transitioning into retention and student success. My favorite part of working with students is seeing them and their work grow throughout their experiences in and outside of the classroom. When not at work I can be found rock climbing, hiking, traveling and searching for the best iced coffee Idaho has to offer. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals!

    Bachelor of Applied Science and Interdisciplinary Professional Studies

    Welcome to Boise State! I am originally from small town Connecticut before moving to Pittsburgh, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Arts Management and Master’s in Higher Education Management. I began working in student affairs and higher education as a resident assistant before transitioning into retention and student success. My favorite part of working with students is seeing them and their work grow throughout their experiences in and outside of the classroom. When not at work I can be found rock climbing, hiking, traveling and searching for the best iced coffee Idaho has to offer. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals!

  • Andrew Wilburn portrait

    Andrew Wilburn

    Senior Student Success Advisor

    A returning Boise native, I earned a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. As your advisor, I will put my education and experience to work in service of your goals. My last position included advising online students in education and health information technology management, and I will help you through your experience.

    Master of Science, Accountancy and Master of Science, Cyber Operations and Resilience

    A returning Boise native, I earned a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. As your advisor, I will put my education and experience to work in service of your goals. My last position included advising online students in education and health information technology management, and I will help you through your experience.

  • Kathryn Westlund, Student Success Coach

    Kathryn Westlund

    Student Success Advisor

    I love helping students on the path to their dreams. I also love collaborating with students to find a unique solution to their personal and professional goals. It is so fulfilling to help students move through the degree exploration process and see them enroll in the courses that are going to connect them to new opportunities!

    I love helping students on the path to their dreams. I also love collaborating with students to find a unique solution to their personal and professional goals. It is so fulfilling to help students move through the degree exploration process and see them enroll in the courses that are going to connect them to new opportunities!

  • Profile image of Academic Advisor Ryan Word

    Ryan Word

    Student Success Advisor

    Welcome to Boise State! I have a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education with an emphasis in higher education from the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia.

    I have worked in a variety of roles within higher education and have spent the past three years in academic advising. I am here to serve as a resource for you throughout your program as you plan your course schedule, register for courses and progress through your journey toward graduation. I am excited to support you as you work toward your personal, educational and professional goals.

    Welcome to Boise State! I have a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education with an emphasis in higher education from the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia.

    I have worked in a variety of roles within higher education and have spent the past three years in academic advising. I am here to serve as a resource for you throughout your program as you plan your course schedule, register for courses and progress through your journey toward graduation. I am excited to support you as you work toward your personal, educational and professional goals.

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