Drawing Out Potential

Our students typically arrive with a clear purpose that brings them to CPS. They understand what they need in order to reach their next goal—whether that’s completing a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a promotion or pay increase, or earning teacher certification to step into a permanent classroom. Our students know why they are here and what they’re working toward. As an advisor, my role is to help them determine how UNH College of Professional Studies can best support that vision by offering the flexible programs, personalized guidance, and practical pathways that help them gain momentum toward that vision.  

A recurring phrase I’ve found myself saying over the years has been “more than anything, you want to do your education well.” Often, students come to us deeply rooted in the responsibilities of a fully formed life. Many are married, raising children, and working—sometimes part‑time, but more often full‑time—and are now considering how to integrate CPS into an already full schedule. They need to know how that is going to work, and that is one of my favorite parts of my job because I get to share with them the good news that CPS was built with their needs in mind. Our mission is entirely centered on the non‑traditional student experience, so our programs are built to meet their unique needs. Students can start when they’re ready, adapt their academic schedule to the season of life they’re in, and take courses asynchronously—while still benefiting from highly qualified instructors and a committed community of classmates. 

What characteristics support student perseverance during challenges? 

And she did return. In fact, she went on to graduate with honors. 

You also are an artist and cartoonist. How did you get started?

I’ve drawn ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt that drawing, the ability to capture an image from life or imagination, was one of the most amazing skills one might develop. I was never dissuaded from drawing just because I couldn’t get a pose or a hand quite right, in the same way I was of other activities. I would draw the same thing over and over and enjoy the incremental progress I’d make before moving onto the next challenge. I still do this!  

In 2014 I decided I wanted to try to write and draw a comic book and get it published, so I started waking up early and practicing getting my work to a level that I’d at least not be embarrassed to see on the comic shop shelf next to the professional creators I loved. After a year of taking myself to “art school” I started pitching short stories to small publishers and that eventually landed a longer book project that I’m still working on today, a dark fantasy samurai saga called Red Koi published by Alterna Comics. I handle the line art and storytelling, while the color work is brought to life through my collaboration with colorist, Nick Welch. 

What role does that creative outlet play in your life? 

I still make comics, and I still get up early to do it. At this point it’s just part of my routine. And with everything that comes with being a husband, a dad, and working full time, I’m grateful for that built‑in creative time. 

I’m getting close to the end of the Red Koi story, but I’ve already got a handful of new ideas waiting in the wings. So I’ll just keep drawing, trying to get a little better with each page. Drawing has been the one constant in my life, so if I’m going to be doing it anyway, I might as well channel it into something people can read and enjoy. 

Do you find any similarities between artistic expression and advising students?  

There are a lot of similarities between creating art and advising students, especially when it comes to balancing ambition with real‑life responsibilities. In both roles, I’m constantly aware that good work takes time, and yet we rarely have all the time we want. 

When I’m making comics, I care deeply about every panel and every page, but if I waited for everything to be perfect, I’d never finish anything. So I’ve learned to aim for high quality while also keeping the work moving by showing up early, being consistent, and understanding that steady progress matters more than perfection. 

I see that same balancing act in our students every day. They’re managing families, jobs, financial pressures, and community responsibilities, all while pursuing a degree. Like me, they’re trying to produce work they feel proud of while also keeping momentum and honoring commitments in the rest of their lives. 

So in both art and advising, I’m always thinking about how to help people keep going—how to support them in doing their best work and in recognizing that progress, not perfection, is what ultimately gets them to their goals. That connection helps me empathize deeply with our students and meet them where they are.