Driving Student Success with an Advising Rockstar: Meet Keri Bresaw
Driving Student Success with an Advising Rockstar: Meet Keri Bresaw
At UNH College of Professional Studies Online, we know that behind every successful student is an advisor who truly cares. Meet Keri Bresaw, our Academic Advisor & Program Specialist, and a true champion for adult learners and nontraditional students.
Keri brings passion, empathy, and creativity to every conversation. She understands the unique challenges our students face and offers practical strategies to help them thrive. Her approach is rooted in encouragement, organization, and the belief that every student has the power to redefine their educational journey.
Beyond advising, Keri is a lifelong learner herself and even a rock band vocalist! Her story of stepping out of her comfort zone to pursue music mirrors the advice she gives students: take risks, believe in yourself, and embrace growth.
In this Q&A, Keri shares what inspires her, tips for success, and how she helps students turn challenges into triumphs.
What do you find most rewarding about working with adult learners and nontraditional students?
They remind me why I love what I do for a living. I'm inspired by their stories, goals, career ideas, and all that has brought them to where they are now- exploring their educational opportunities at UNH CPSO. I enjoy the challenge of helping them get all their boxes checked so they're ready to begin their course of study with us. I look forward to the check-in calls where the once overly nervous students tell me things are going great and they're loving their classes. I love the connection I get to make with people in all walks of life.
What tips can you offer a new online student?
I invite students to consider their mindset when they join us. I’ll say, “you have a chance to reinvent your understanding of who you are as a student. Not everyone does education in a straight line and regardless of the path you’ve been on to get here- you get to decide the kind of student you’re going to be with us.” Because I was a non-traditional student, and I was ready to apply myself rather than do the bare minimum, I’m a life-long learner now. Thanks to the folks who were in my corner when I went back, they encouraged me to reframe how I saw myself as a student. I also encourage showing yourself some grace. It takes some time to adjust, and it's worth figuring out what works best for you and your situation. Communicate with your instructor and your advisor. We're here to help but we need to hear from you to know you need it!
When adult students face challenges, how do they persevere?
I work with single moms who are prioritizing coursework at night after sports games, dinner, and bedtime routines. Veteran students are exploring opportunities rooted in newfound passions to which their general education courses exposed them. Our traditional students are challenging society’s norms and hitting the ground running- earning credits in multiple ways; while still in high school, through self-paced classes, to online classes, with field-based internships, and certifications. They are crafting an education unique to them. Each student can attribute their success to knowing education can improve their life when they communicate, put in the effort, and challenge themselves.
You also sing in a rock band. (Amazing!) How did you get started with music, and what role does it play in your life?
Music has always been a huge part of my life- but never a priority, simply because I didn’t know if I believed in myself enough to make it happen. As an introvert, I just didn’t know if I had it in me to be a front person for a band. I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old, taught myself by using headphones to study songs and match my pitch and inflection. It was a risk I took to push myself to grow, to work on my confidence, and my skills as a musician. I just had to put the effort into what I wanted so it could be my reality. I joke that I’m “living my best life”, I get to sing my heart out, collaborate with my bandmates, and share our love of 90’s music with everyone. I only wish I had taken this risk years ago.
Do you find any similarities between performing on stage and advising students? How do those experiences complement each other?
When I’m working with a student, I’m actively listening to what they’re saying (and not saying). I’m trying to get a better picture of who they are and where they are coming from. I demonstrate what I’m learning about them in real time with my response of encouragement, accountability, validation etc.
It may sound unusual, but academic advising can feel a lot like being in a band. Just as a musician reads the energy of the crowd, extending a guitar solo or switching up the setlist, I adapt to each student’s needs. I try to stay present, listen deeply, and respond in real time to help students succeed. In both scenarios, it’s about listening, responding, and creating good energy.