By Stacie Moser, CLAS
For those who know the name, Chelsea Smith's return to WSU was an exciting surprise. She has made a welcome return to the WSU advising community and we are looking forward to all she brings to WSU students and their success. CLAS advisor, Stacie Moser, recently had a chance to connect with Chelsea to learn more about her academic and professional background. Check out their exchange below.
SM: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it relates to your current position.
CS: I have a BA in Music and an MA in Higer Ed/Student Affairs from UM-Flint and EMU, respectively. I discovered higher education work while studying music, thanks to a great faculty advisor who saw my passion for student success. She pushed me to work as an orientation leader, then trained me to be a peer advisor for incoming music students. I've been in love with advising ever since. I always like to use this story with students who are struggling - whether it's to decide on a major or finding success in a competitive major - as my background often helps students understand that what they're experiencing now may just be the beginning of an interesting path to their life's passion. NO ONE went to college KNOWING they wanted to work in student affairs, so it's okay not knowing what they want to "be" when they leave WSU.
SM: Can you please tell us a little bit about your student affairs background before joining WSU?
CS: This position in the College of Nursing is actually my return to WSU! I originally began at WSU in 2012, in the midst of the advising expansion sponsored by the Office of the Provost. At the time I joined the College of Education, I was a fairly new advisor, with less than a year working in student affairs, post grad school. The experience in the College of Education allowed me to grow in my understanding of diverse student needs, create tools and programs to increase student success, and gain an appreciation for the opportunities WSU can provide advising professionals. My most recent, non-WSU position provided the health care and nursing-related advising training I needed to be successful as the graduate ASO in the College of Nursing.
SM: When you are not advising, what are some things you like to do for fun?
CS: When not advising, I spend all my spare time with family, doting on my sweet pup, making music, or riding my bike. I'm a proud aunt to four kiddos under 8 and make a point to see all of them most weeks. Our favorite activities usually include a craft of some sort. My 9-year-old pittie, Mooch, loves cuddles and treats, so I try to give him lots of both when not advising my students. Although I left a career in music for student affairs, I still enjoy playing or singing in local ensembles and usually have 3-4 concerts a year. The pandemic put music on hold for a short time, but I'm so happy to be enjoying music again. I recently began bike riding as a way to get active and enjoy the outdoors more, so most weekends (during good weather), you'll find me riding around Genesee or Oakland county.
SM: Any interesting or fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
CS: I'm literally half of the person I was a year ago. 2021 was the year of focusing on my health and happiness, which began with a long journey to losing 150 lbs! I never thought I could do it, but I'm so glad I did - because I feel amazing!