Blueprint for student success

When Grace Kotzen arrived at the University of Delaware in fall 2023, she knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur but wasn't sure how to chart her course. During new student orientation at the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, she met Keri Rodney, an academic program manager in the Office of Undergraduate Advising. That meeting marked the start of a mentorship that would guide Kotzen's first two years at UD.

"I focus on building trust directly with the student first," Rodney said.

Like many first-year students, Kotzen felt nervous about scheduling classes and navigating a new environment. Rodney's accessibility and encouragement helped ease those concerns. As they got to know each other, Kotzen opened up about her goals and began taking ownership of her academic decisions.

"Grace always came to advising meetings prepared with a plan but needed guidance on how to bring it all together, especially with changing her major," Rodney said.

With Rodney's support, Kotzen decided to double major in marketing and finance, a better fit for her long-term ambitions. Rodney went beyond typical course scheduling by mapping out a four-year plan to keep her on track for graduation.

Having a personalized course plan helped Kotzen stay organized and motivated, an accomplishment that caught the attention of her parents, Lisa and Gary Kotzen.

"[Gary] shared incredibly kind feedback about the support Grace had received during her first two years, which was very meaningful to hear," Rodney said.

Lisa Kotzen said she appreciated the personal attention her daughter received at Lerner.

"I feel like the whole program and UD itself set their students up for success," she said. "They care … They get to know them and build relationships. Not every college does that. To a lot of the big schools, you're a number."

Rodney's warm gestures, such as greeting the family with a hug at their first meeting, reassured them that their daughter had a strong support system.

"That just really warmed my heart and solidified how much this university really cares," Lisa Kotzen said.

UD's academic advisors serve as quiet advocates for students, working behind the scenes to coordinate schedules, review major requirements and provide guidance as undergraduates pursue their degrees.