By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Lesli Hall needed help.

As a first-generation college student, she didn’t know exactly how to navigate the world of higher education as a freshman at UK. But through the help of family and advisors, she found her way, and it led to a career.

Now she helps students every day. After 15 years advising undergraduate students at UK, she was hired in July as the College of Health Sciences’ newest academic advisor, where she can assist students and give back to the health community.

“I was excited when the position opened up, and it’s been a wonderful opportunity,” she said.

Let’s catch up with Lesli Hall and see what it’s like to be an advisor in CHS, at a time when the College is bringing in more freshmen than ever (more than 370 in August) and has the biggest class of enrolled students in history (more than 1,550).

Here’s 5 questions with … Academic Advisor Lesli Hall:

1. What got you interested in Academic Advising?

I’m a first-generation college student. All my parents were able to tell me was, ‘You’re going to college.’ As far as support or advice, they did not attend college, so they weren’t able to help me with certain things. I bounced around because there wasn’t a lot of good support at the time.   Being able to help students is important to me. I enjoy it when I can help a struggling student because I was a struggling student. I can help them overcome those challenges and struggles to find their path to success. 
 

2. How do you help students every day?

I meet with students through individual appointments or in class and I am able to connect with them and begin building relationships.  These things are key when working with students because they feel comfortable to talk about anything when they know someone cares about them.  The first few months of college for freshmen can be hard, so being available to students is beneficial for their transition.  

3. We had the biggest incoming class in the history of the College. How’s it been going so far?

It’s been great so far. We’ve been back-to-back with our appointments. Students are excited and interested in learning about the opportunities our college has to offer.  I am enjoying one-on-one conversations with my students.  Having back-to-back appointments can be tiring, but what makes the difference is the people that you work with and the supportive environment.  We’ve got great people here in the Office of Student Affairs and throughout the College of Health Sciences. 

4. And why Health Sciences specifically?

My son is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with ewings sarcoma when he was 7 years old.  And in some small fashion here, I have an impact on healthcare. I’m not taking their chemistry exams or taking the MCAT. But I am helping students decide on which health career is right for them and helping them navigate their path, and in that way, I am having an impact. I am able to give back to the hospital and medical staff that saved my son’s life and helped our family navigate childhood cancer.  That is very meaningful to me, and I always remember that when I’m talking with students. 

BONUS: How's he doing now?

He’s doing great. He’s 25 years old, graduated a couple of years ago from UK and is now working his big boy job.

5. So, what do you tell students who don’t know what they want to do?

That it is okay to be undecided.  Take your time and explore all the options.  Get out there and shadow, talk to professionals about what they do—that is how you will decide on the right career path.  Students are fearful of making the wrong choice.  I tell them that they are not deciding the rest of their life with their major.  The College of Health Sciences is full of so many wonderful opportunities and ways to connect with faculty.  My goal is to get students to their goal.  So, I make sure they know what opportunities are available in CHS and at UK.