Advising Ferris State University students on degree plans, overcoming personal challenges and reaching their academic and career goals are points of emphasis for Michael Zaborowski Jr., the university’s first campus-wide Director of Academic Advising.

Zaborowski said emphasizing consistency in student advising ranks atop a list of goals. He came to Ferris State in June 2023, operating in the Retention and Student Success unit.

“We must work for consistency in advising across each of our colleges and promote coordination in developing professional academic advisors and faculty mentors,” Zaborowski said. “We will provide professional development opportunities for our advisors and allow them to share their unique qualities while they join their peers across the state and the country in advancing student success and so they can thrive and serve as professionals.”

Zaborowski said his overarching goal for serving the university and students is simple.

“We want to promote connectedness and opportunities for these professionals, who play a key role in giving benefit and support to each of our students,” Zaborowski said.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bobby Fleischman sees Zaborowski’s skills as an excellent fit to lead this new initiative strengthening academic advising for Ferris State students.

“Michael’s addition to the university campus could not have come at a more opportune time,” Fleischman said. “We are entering into revision of the University Strategic Plan and the creation of our first Academic Master Plan. These are ‘student-first’ focused and a critical component of assuring student success is advising. I am excited to work with Michael and our faculty advisors to help us drive student success.”

Zaborowski holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. He is working toward a certificate in Institutional Research from Pennsylvania State University.