Grand Rapids Community College adviser Erin Busscher wins award for student advocacy

Erin Busscher, an adviser at Grand Rapids Community College, was recently honored for her advocacy work for students in their education and along the way to their careers.

Busscher works at Grand Rapids Community as an associate professor in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center. She was presented by the Michigan Academic Advising Association with the Outstanding Academic Adviser Award at the organization’s recent conference held at the campus of Kalamazoo Community College.

She was quoted in an article on GRCC’s website on the award, saying, “This award means so much to me! I strive to contribute to the advising profession at GRCC and at the state and national level. It feels wonderful to be recognized for those contributions! Working alongside advising colleagues across the state supports me in my unique role as an adviser who helps students transfer, and together we are supporting seamless transfer from GRCC to all of our colleges and universities in Michigan.”

The selection committee’s decision process included the consideration of the qualities and practices that distinguish each nominee as an outstanding academic adviser, pacesetter, graduate student, advising administrator, or faculty adviser.

Busscher began her career as a student employee at Grand Valley State University where she enjoyed the higher education environment and helping other students succeed. She spent more than a decade at GVSU, working in several different positions before being hired at Grand Rapids Community College to serve as the transfer and articulation coordinator. However, she found herself missing working with students and quickly moved back into an adviser role. 

Busscher earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in professional writing with a minor in public relations from Grand Valley State University. She then went on to earn a Master of Education in Higher Education, College Student Affairs Leadership there, as well. She is also certified as a Global Career Development facilitator.

More information about Grand Rapids Community College can be found at the school’s website.