LEXINGTON, Ky. — At the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), student success is more than a goal, it is a commitment. That commitment deepened recently as two academic advisors, Maddox Patterson and Trent Hurt, completed an intensive training and certification process to become Certified Appreciative Advisors, a designation that places them among a select group of higher education professionals trained in this student-centered advising approach.
Appreciative Advising is not merely a method but a philosophy—one that encourages students to recognize their strengths, articulate their goals, and forge their own academic paths with the support of skilled advisors. For Patterson and Hurt, the certification is more than a credential; it is a means of better understanding the students they serve.
“Students come to us with unique challenges, ambitions, and stories,” said Hurt, reflecting on the training. “This certification helps us meet them where they are—not just academically, but personally—so we can help them move forward with confidence.”
The certification process is no small feat. It requires months of professional development, hands-on application of advising strategies, and a demonstrated ability to foster meaningful, goal-oriented conversations with students. Patterson and Hurt’s completion of this process is a milestone for CoSW, reinforcing the college’s broader effort to create a culture of engagement and academic empowerment.
Jaime Wainscott, Director of Advising at CoSW, views their accomplishment as a win for both advisors and students alike. “Strong advising relationships are often the difference between a student thriving or feeling lost,” she said. “Maddox and Trent’s achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and supported.”
As higher education continues to evolve, students are navigating mounting pressures, shifting career landscapes, and an ever-expanding list of responsibilities tied to their academic journey. In this complex environment, advisors like Patterson and Hurt serve as steady guides. Their training in Appreciative Advising is more than a professional milestone; it represents a commitment to helping students navigate these challenges with expertise, empathy, and a deep respect for their unique experiences.
For students at the College of Social Work, that commitment translates into more personalized, proactive support—ensuring that every student has the guidance they need to succeed.
