About This Episode
In this episode of EDU Unlocked, host Ashish Fernando sits down with Michael Brody, Director of University College at Illinois State University, to explore why academic exploration matters, how meaningful advising relationships influence student success, and where artificial intelligence fits into the future of higher education.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in academic advising and student development, Michael challenges the idea that undecided students are a problem institutions need to solve. Instead, he argues that students need opportunities to explore their interests, ask meaningful questions, and discover academic pathways that align with their goals.
The conversation also examines the growing pressure on students to demonstrate a return on their educational investment. Michael explains why selecting a major should not be treated as a one-time decision that determines an entire career, and why colleges must make it easier for students to explore and change academic pathways.
As the discussion turns to AI in academic advising, Michael outlines the three core competencies of advising: conceptual, informational, and relational. He explains how AI can simplify informational tasks such as degree planning and career exploration, allowing advisors to spend more time understanding students' aspirations, challenges, and motivations.
Michael also shares practical lessons from his work improving student retention, including his leadership philosophy of "Actions over Outcomes." Through examples from Illinois State University and the University of Southern Indiana, he demonstrates why successful student retention strategies require consistent support, early intervention, and institutional collaboration.
The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that student success is built through relationships. For academic advisors, enrollment leaders, and higher education administrators, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on balancing technology with human connection and creating a more meaningful student experience.
Host & Guest
Michael Brody
GuestMichael Brody is the Director of University College at Illinois State University and a first-generation college graduate with more than 25 years of experience in academic advising, student development, and higher education leadership.
His career began in residence life at Indiana University, where his experiences supporting first-year students inspired him to pursue a career in higher education. He later worked at the University of Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Southern Indiana before joining Illinois State University.
Throughout his career, Michael has focused on improving academic advising, supporting undecided students, strengthening first-year student experiences, and helping institutions create meaningful connections with students.
He is also a 2025 NACADA award recipient and co-host of The Pickup Meeting podcast alongside Dr. Kevin Thomas.
Ashish Fernando
HostAshish Fernando is the Founder and CEO of EDMO, an AI-powered platform helping colleges and universities improve student engagement, streamline admissions processes, and enhance institutional operations.
Through EDU Unlocked, Ashish connects with higher education leaders to explore the people, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of student success.
Show Notes
- 1 00:42 Introduction to EDU Unlocked and the challenges facing higher education enrollment
- 2 02:19 Meet Michael Brody: 25 years in academic advising and student development
- 3 03:30 Michael's unconventional journey into higher education
- 4 06:30 Why colleges shouldn't treat undecided students as a problem
- 5 07:35 Helping students discover their interests through academic exploration
- 6 09:22 How ROI expectations create pressure to choose a major
- 7 11:26 Why college majors don't always determine future careers
- 8 12:38 Finding meaning and purpose beyond financial success
- 9 14:35 The future of AI in academic advising
- 10 15:10 The three core competencies of academic advising
- 11 16:51 Using AI for degree planning and career exploration
- 12 18:57 Can AI replace human academic advisors?
- 13 20:44 Improving student retention through institutional collaboration
- 14 21:21 Actions over Outcomes: Michael's student success philosophy
- 15 22:33 Why connection is central to student retention strategies
- 16 24:45 How first-year advising improvements influence graduation rates
- 17 26:09 Ashish shares his personal experience with academic advising
- 18 27:59 Supporting academic advisors through meaningful student relationships
- 19 29:30 Leadership lessons from mentors and supervisors
- 20 31:39 Building a people-first culture in higher education
- 21 32:16 Final reflections: Why student success cannot simply be automated
Key Quotes
"We have to do a good job of creating pockets of exploration."
"It's that other stuff, right? How we make meaning in our profession and what gives us purpose that really, I think, drives both advisors as well as students when they graduate."
"Humanity over the work every day of the week and twice on Sunday."