Liz Rexroad

Harmony, Learner, Maximizer, Responsibility, Context

“The professionalism you model with your students matters. Set the bar high for yourself and your students. Success will follow.”

Moving through Higher Education can be complicated for students. For those students hoping to enter the K-12 classroom, there are even more rules to learn and spaces to navigate. A good adviser makes all the difference, and Liz deploys her love of bringing clarity to complex systems to help her students earn their degrees with confidence.

Liz advises all students in CAHS education programs (Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, Physical Education and Kinesiology, Secondary Math Education, and Secondary Science Education) as well as Child Development and Family Studies. Liz recognizes that advising is more than just helping students meet the basic requirements for degree completion. Betsy Robbins, Assistant Director for Advising and Retention, offers this deep compliment that sums up the work we all try to do: “Liz’s work reflects advising as an act of service rooted in equity, access, collaboration and care.”

Colleagues note her genuine interest in students and her commitment to their growth. “From New Student Orientation through graduation, Liz is intentional about physically being where her students are, is exceptionally generous with her time, and carefully walks through curriculum requirements, licensure expectations, and realistic timelines to degree completion, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making from the outset,” Betsy Robbins, Assistant Director for Advising and Retention, notes. Liz’s students feel the same way. One student reminisced, “She’s been my adviser since I was admitted into the program about a year and a half ago and she remembers the small things I tell her to this day! She’s congratulated me on passing all of my required tests and praised what a great student I am. She will be missed once I graduate this spring.”

Liz is part of the 35% of advisers at WVU who are new to the role (under 3 years). Like many, she also works hard on her own education and must balance her own work with her students’ needs. Colleague Cathy Manley notes, “I have been impressed with Liz’s ability to balance her PhD and advising.” When reflecting on her experiences as a newer adviser at WVU, Liz reveals the keys to her own success:

“Be all in. Get to know your students as whole people; meet them where they are with kindness and empathy. Be relentless. Look for answers, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and find people who will be your champion. Do not give up on yourself or your students. Be invested. Know the academic programs and procedures, get to know faculty, engage with colleagues and support across the university.”