New Advisor Q&A: Wayne Centers, College of Health Sciences

Name:  Wayne Centers

Hometown:  London, KY

Tell us about your educational background.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Berea College in 2005.  Influenced by my involvement in college, I went on to the University of Kentucky to pursue my Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Higher Education, which I finished in 2007.

Tell us about your work history.

Prior to becoming an academic advisor, the bulk of my work history was earned through Housing and Residence Life programs.  I served as a Graduate Hall Director for two years in UK’s South Campus Complex.  I accepted my first professional position as a Residence Hall Director for Northern Kentucky University in 2007 and served there until June 2011.  Through these experiences, I oversaw several significant initiatives including RA training, selection, RSA/RHA advising, as well as graduate and undergraduate supervision.

What will you be doing in your new position?

Pending approval of the newly proposed Human Health Sciences degree, I will serve as a primary advisor for the students of that cohort.  I currently advise undergraduate pre-major students within our Clinical Leadership and Management, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Medical Laboratory Sciences programs.  I also provide pre-professional advising for students interested in Physician Assistant Studies and Physical Therapy.  My responsibilities also include advising our College of Health Sciences Ambassador program and serving as the Athletic Certification officer.  In addition, I routinely hit the recruitment trail and meet with prospective students frequently.

Why did you want to be an advisor?

I have always valued the advising and mentoring relationships of my prior experiences.  Academic advising provides me an opportunity to specialize within this area in a very focused way.  While helping out students navigate the curriculum is important, I also strive to find opportunities to be that resource agent when it comes to any aspect of their student experience.  I also looked forward to the possibility of gaining academic affairs experience and find that all of my talents have been utilized in my transition.

What is your favorite part of working with college students?

I’ve especially relished the opportunity to work with students from the beginning of an experience to the end – especially when that experience is entering as a first-year student and finishing with a degree.  There’s nothing more professionally satisfying than seeing a student capture their potential and then do big things.  It’s fulfilling to think that you’ve helped open doors along someone’s path toward success.

What do you love about UK?  

I love the sense of identity and pride that comes with being a student and working at this institution.  More than any other place I’ve been, there is a distinct energy on this campus – all it takes is a simple walk around campus to realize it!  This all translates to our people.  I thrive off the high level of competence of my colleagues and am continually impressed with our talented student body.