Laura Morgan

I attribute my success to a strong foundation of mentorship and unwavering personal support. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have an exceptional mentor, Jenise Wilson, who served as my supervisor for eight years and played a pivotal role in my development as an academic advisor and leader. She created space for me to experiment with new ideas, trusted me to pilot initiatives, and encouraged me to share my perspective openly helping me build confidence and find my voice. Jenise modeled what positive, people-centered leadership looks like, and her guidance continues to influence how I lead and mentor others today.

Equally important has been the love and support of my husband, Justin, whose belief in me never wavered. He delayed his own education so we could prioritize mine, working alongside me to ensure I could complete both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. That sacrifice laid the groundwork for my career in academic advising and leadership. Together, these experiences taught me the value of mentorship, partnership, and paying opportunity forward—principles that continue to shape how I support my staff and students.

Some of the best career advice I have received is the reminder that success does not have to be an all-or-nothing choice between work and home. Being a career mom is deeply rewarding, but it requires intentional boundaries and the understanding that family must remain the priority—even during demanding seasons. I was encouraged to give myself permission to be fully present where I am, whether that means leading at work or showing up at home, without guilt. I was also advised to stop waiting until I felt “ready” and instead trust my instincts, speak up, and take risks—especially in spaces where women are often hesitant to claim their voice. That guidance shaped how I lead today: with empathy, flexibility, and the belief that strong leadership is built by honoring both professional ambition and personal values.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be intentional about your growth and trust yourself sooner than you think you should. Actively seek out leadership training, even early in your career, and take advantage of opportunities that help you build confidence, communication skills, and strategic thinking. Surround yourself with mentors who not only support you, but also challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, test new ideas, and use your voice—especially in rooms where it may feel easier to stay quiet. Stay persistent and solution-oriented, focusing less on barriers and more on what is possible, and remember that meaningful change often starts small. Above all, strive to align your passion with a clear sense of purpose; when your work is grounded in values and impact, it becomes easier to navigate challenges, advocate for yourself, and build a career that is both fulfilling and sustainable.

One of the biggest challenges in academic advising right now—beyond staffing shortages and workload strain—is how newer generations of students seek out help, or choose not to. With instant answers, automation, and AI readily available, it can be easy for students to retreat into the digital space and try to solve complex problems on their own. While technology can be a powerful tool, it cannot replace the value of a meaningful conversation with an advisor. Often, what initially appears to be an academic issue is rooted in deeper personal challenges such as food insecurity, financial stress, mental health concerns, or relationship pressures. Advisors are uniquely positioned to uncover those underlying factors and connect students to the right support—sometimes answering questions students did not even realize they needed to ask.

Another significant challenge is the disconnect that can exist between leadership vision and day-to-day realities. Well-intentioned ideas may look strong on paper but fall short in practice when implementation does not account for daily workflows, capacity, or institutional context. At the same time, this gap presents one of the greatest opportunities in the field. When staff are well trained, well supported, and meaningfully included in decision-making, they become more engaged, confident, and effective in helping students succeed. Investing in people—not just systems—creates sustainable improvement, stronger morale, and a more responsive student support environment.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, accountability, and balance. Integrity and accountability ground how I lead and build trust with others, while empathy reminds me that behind every academic or professional challenge is a person with a story. Balance is the most difficult value for me to maintain and one I have to return to intentionally, as it is easy for me to become fully absorbed in my work. I care deeply about what I do, but I am continually learning that being present for my family and protecting that time is just as important. Holding that tension has shaped me into a more thoughtful leader and a more grounded person, reminding me that meaningful work is strongest when it is paired with a full and supported life.