by Kate Bernas, Advisor Training Academy
William (Bill) Keilman is the new academic advisor in the University Advising Center. He is with the Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence (OMVAE). I had a chance to get to know more about Bill's background.
KB: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it relates to your current position.
BK: I was in the Army for 23 years. While I was serving, I had a real interest in history. I started school at Troy University in Alabama. Due to deployments and changing duty stations, I ended up transferring to the American Public University System which allowed me to complete my BA in History online. Once I earned my Bachelor’s, I continued at APUS for a MA in history. Around the same time, I was assigned to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas to teach military science to their students enrolled in Army ROTC. While there, the Army sent me to the University of Louisville for a MA in Higher Education Administration. Working at Texas A&M, I developed a love for working with college students that continued after I retired from the service and moved back to Michigan.
KB: Can you please tell us a little bit about your student affairs background before joining WSU?
BK: I worked at Texas A&M for three years. While I was there, I taught military science. Additionally, I was an academic advisor for the cadets enrolled in Army ROTC. I conducted degree audits, processed Army scholarship requests, and paperwork required for commissioning into the United States Army. When I retired and moved back to MI, I got hired at Madonna University in Livonia. I started out working in graduate admissions. After a year, I was promoted to run their satellite campus at Henry Ford Community College and the Macomb University Center. At both locations, I advised students on admissions requirements, course selection, degree requirements, and provided financial aid information. I worked as the Henry Ford and Macomb University Center Site Coordinator for three years. I was recently hired at Wayne State University to work in the COL Gregory Gadson OMVAE to work as the Academic Success Coach for the veterans enrolled in the Veteran Support Services Grant (VET-SSS).
KB: When you are not advising, what are some things you like to do for fun?
BK: For fun, I love attending sporting events. I have a seven and nine years old who are involved in football, baseball, cheer, dance, and gymnastics. Outside of their games/practices, I enjoy going to any event that gets us out of the house.
KB: Any interesting or fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
BK: Even though it completely confuses me, I like to read about space and the origins of the universe.
We are so excited to have Bill join the OMVAE advising team. Please welcome him to WSU!