Amy Mcmillen
Amy McMillen is a respected leader in higher education and currently serves as Director of the Advising Center at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her path into advising was anything but linear. After beginning her career in Homeland Security and grant project management, Amy discovered her true passion—helping students succeed. More than a decade ago, she transitioned into academic advising, a move that has since defined her career and positioned her as a driving force in shaping the student experience at Missouri S&T.
Over the past 11 years, Amy has cultivated a reputation as a compassionate, student-first leader. She oversees a team of advisors and mentors who guide more than 1,400 first-year engineering and computer science students each year. Guided by her philosophy of “meeting students where they are,” she fosters trust and builds supportive relationships in which students feel valued and heard. Many students and families regard her not only as an advisor, but also as a mentor and advocate who helps them navigate both academic and personal challenges.
Her impact has been widely recognized. In 2022, she received the prestigious Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) Administrator of the Year award and has served as MACADA’s Southeast Regional Representative for four years. She frequently presents at regional conferences and is a strong advocate for equitable salaries and supportive, collaborative work environments. In addition, Amy serves as a mentor for academic advisors through the UM System’s Advisor Development Program (ADP), a cornerstone initiative of UM Advise—a system-wide effort to strengthen advising and academic coaching across campuses.
While her professional achievements are many, Amy’s personal life also shapes the way she leads. A proud “boy mom” of two, she brings the same patience, humor, and care from home into her work with students. She often says the most meaningful measure of success isn’t found in awards or titles, but in relationships. Her cherished “Sunshine Folder”—a collection of heartfelt notes from students and parents—is a daily reminder of the trust she has earned and the lives she has touched.
For Amy, advising is not simply a profession—it is a calling. Through her leadership, advocacy, and compassion, she has helped transform Missouri S&T’s advising culture into one where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
d Mars Rover Team.
• Columbia College- B.S.
• Missouri University of Science and Technology- M.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, a strong commitment to student support, and to the way I strive to lead with respect and empathy. Perseverance has carried me through challenges and transitions, while my dedication to students has kept me focused on what truly matters - their growth, well-being, and success. Equally important has been the way I approach leadership within my team. I believe people do their best work when they feel respected, valued, and heard. I make it a priority to listen to their perspectives, invite their ideas, and acknowledge their contributions. By fostering an environment where my team feels appreciated and empowered, we are able to create the kind of supportive culture that not only strengthens us as professionals but also directly benefits the students we serve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Find work that aligns with your passion and interests. Don't be afraid to open new doors of opportunity and focus on continually learning and improving. Look at change as process improvements and do your best to stay motivated.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Effective communication...listen to understand, not to respond. Take advantage of every professional development opportunity that will allow you to continue learning and growing.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are compassion, resilience, and genuine care for others—especially in supporting women as they grow and heal from difficult experiences, whether through my work in education or volunteer efforts at the women’s shelter.