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Dear MIACADA Members and Friends,
“There is no greater work than helping someone discover and transform into the best version of themselves.” Welcome to MIACADA! This vibrant academic advising community, consisting of hundreds of advising professionals across the great state of Michigan, has been my professional home for 13 years. It has been a source of connection, support, and fellowship for myself and advisors looking for opportunities to network and grow professionally. I am privileged and grateful to serve as MIACADA president this year and look forward to building upon the remarkable foundation of the leaders who have come before me and setting the stage for those who will come next. Academic advising is far more than a professional role; it is a calling. It is the daily, dedicated work of meeting students exactly where they are and walking alongside them through some of the most transformative chapters of their lives. The responsibility we carry is not simply administrative; it is deeply human. An advisor's guidance can mean the difference between a student who persists and one who walks away, between a path that aligns with someone's gifts and one that leads them further from themselves. We hold, often simultaneously, the weight of institutional knowledge, personal trust, emotional attunement, and professional accountability. To advise is to be entrusted with someone's future, and academic advisors meet that charge with a seriousness and compassion that deserves far more acknowledgment than it typically receives. Whether you are just beginning your advising journey or bring years of wisdom and experience to the table, MIACADA is here to ensure you never walk that path alone. Through networking and connection events in person and online, provision of grants and support for professional development, and our annual conference, we are committed to creating spaces where every voice is valued and every advisor feels seen, supported, and celebrated. As we navigate the coming year, I encourage you to connect with MIACADA in ways that make sense for you. Take advantage of organization events like Talk about it Tuesday virtual meet-ups, Taste of MIACADA in-person networking, and our annual in-person conference in May. And, new this year, be sure to check out our Fall Virtual Conference, coming this November! Monitor our website and e-newsletter for updates and other opportunities to get involved. This community is yours. Together, there is so much we can accomplish. Thank you for being part of MIACADA and for the important work you do. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at miacada@gmail.com with your ideas, questions, or feedback. Looking forward to the journey ahead, |
Andrew Murray |
