Effective academic advising is dependent on three critical components: comprehensive pre-service and ongoing in-service advisor development; assessment of the advising program and individual advisors; and recognition and reward for exemplary performance. Training is the initial component in this process. Without setting expectations and offering skills training, there are no benchmarks for assessment. And, without assessment there are no guideposts for improving. All advisor development programs have common elements and are applicable to faculty, staff advisors, and counselors.
From 1988 to 2008, Tom developed and facilitated general session presentations on academic advisor development for the NACADA Summer Institute on Academic Advising. His most recent publications on professional development include: “Critical Concepts in Academic Advising” in The Academic Advising Handbook, Jossey Bass, 2008, and “Preparing Providers to Foster Student Success”, in Fostering Student Success in the Campus Community, 2008
Tom Brown's work is based on an integration of theories, research findings, and practical experience that makes a real difference for individuals and institutions. As a nationally recognized author and expert in retention, academic advising, promoting the success of at-risk students, international education, and diversity/inclusivity training, he has served as a consultant to more than 350 colleges and universities in the US and abroad. Tom is currently Managing Principal of a consulting network that assists campuses to increase student success, build inclusive communities, and manage change (www.tbrownassociates.com).
