Advisors Offer Guidance, Friendship

Work of two senior academic advisors goes far beyond helping students pick classes

Helping MPA students choose the best academic paths to reach their career goals calls for deep knowledge of classes on offer, student interests, and programs available, mixed with true passion for empowering learners.

These McCombs advisors work to build the best learning community while staying informed about employer needs, academic benchmarks, CPA requirements, campus partnerships, and student growth opportunities. And they love their jobs.

Sheryll Cox | MPA Senior Academic Advisor

“It is awesome to see the transformation that happens with students as they progress through our program. They leave ready to overcome any challenges they might face.” 

Sheryll Cox’s career has always centered around education. She taught junior high language arts and history before teaching gifted and talented academics at the elementary level. She transitioned to academic and career advising within Texas McCombs, settling into her current role in the MPA program in 2018.

Q. What is unique about MPA-student advising?  

A. Our students are top notch! We have dedicated program office staff focused on supporting them academically and professionally. We foster community by hosting events and facilitating interaction from program entry to program conclusion. This community feel makes our program better as a whole and enhances the academic experience.

Q. What kind of partnerships do you nurture to serve students?

A. I am pretty closely tied in with the MPA career team, as well as our MPA alums. Many of our alumni are willing to lend a hand when asked. It could be anything from participating in an alumni panel to holding an informational interview with a current student or helping students evaluate a full-time offer.

Q. Describe success in your role.

A. Our program is academically demanding, which can lead students to struggle with balancing their coursework, internships, and CPA requirements. I serve as a support system, meeting with them as often as they would like to address the struggles and get them on track. My goal is to empower students with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to navigate their short-term and long-term goals.

Emily Stroman | MPA Senior Academic Advisor

“Any student can pick out classes. Academic advising allows them to connect value and purpose to those choices.”

Emily Stroman has advised in educational areas as diverse as K-12 standards, test prep, college readiness, and admissions. Drawn to the opportunity of working in higher education, she began her academic advising role with the MPA program in 2019.

Q. What is unique about advising in the MPA program?

A. Our students are typically high-performing and motivated. They understand the value of their education and want to the make the most out of it. That excites me as an academic advisor and keeps me busy problem-solving to best serve each individual. McCombs draws the best students in our state, and we are proud of all that they accomplish. They not only have technical abilities when they leave, but I see firsthand the social and emotional development that makes them valuable to the accounting world.  

Q. What is your favorite part of the job?

A. Seeing students on graduation day, certifying degrees, and hearing them say, “I couldn’t have done it without your support and guidance.” I am truly so proud of every student I work with. Seeing their journey from beginning to end is a gift. 

Q. Describe success in your role.

A. Being a friendly, welcoming listener where no questions are dumb is often the biggest part of helping a student overcome obstacles in higher education. Success is hearing feedback from graduates or returning alumni in praise of our program’s culture and academic experience. It gives me great pleasure to support students in getting the most out of their education.

By Alexis Brubaker