Columbus State University to Hire Over 40 Academic, Career Coaches to Boost Student Success

Staff Report

Columbus State University is investing more than $4 million to hire more than 40 academic and career coaches in 2025, aiming to enhance student advising and improve retention and graduation rates.

The initiative is part of the university’s new five-year strategic plan and follows recommendations from the National Institute for Student Success. The coaches, who will be International Coaching Federation-certified, will provide personalized, goal-oriented support to students throughout their college experience.

“We meant it when we said we were going to upgrade our ability to guide our students toward success,” said Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield. “By upgrading these roles with additional training and certifications, we can better help students in their academic journey—and in their personal and professional dreams.”

Transforming Academic Advising

Traditionally, Columbus State’s advising model included staff advisors assisting students in their first two years, with faculty taking over advising duties as students advanced in their majors. The new coaching model removes advising responsibilities from faculty, allowing them to focus on teaching and research.

Academic success coaches will work closely with students throughout their enrollment, offering guidance on course selection, academic resources and graduation pathways. Benefits of the coaching model include:

• Personalized support – Helping students build self-determination and success skills.
• Goal orientation – Assisting students in setting and achieving academic and career goals.
• Empowerment – Encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Consistency – Ensuring all students receive equitable support.
• Improved communication – Strengthening advisor-student relationships.

“This coaching-based advising model is a key piece of our larger vision to enhance student success at Columbus State,” said Melissa Young, assistant vice president for student success. “We’re thrilled about the difference our new coaches will make in students’ lives—helping them stay on track, reach their academic goals and earn their degrees.”

Integrating Academic Success and Career Readiness

Alongside academic success coaches, career success coaches will ensure students are career-ready upon graduation. These coaches will specialize in academic areas such as fine and performing arts, business, education, health professions and STEM. They will work with faculty and industry professionals to connect students with internships, experiential learning opportunities and career events.

“Each career coach will have a specialty area related to our academic focus areas,” said Shana Young, Columbus State’s associate vice president for community engagement. “They will work collaboratively to connect students with career opportunities and industry professionals.”

The University of Kentucky, which implemented a similar coaching model, reported that 92 percent of students who attended at least one coaching appointment in Fall 2021 were retained in the following spring semester.

Columbus State plans to hire seven career coaches and 20 academic coaches this spring, with another 20 academic coaches joining next academic year. More information on these positions is available on the university’s employment portal.