Ryan Oler
Johnson City,Tennessee
Summary
Higher education professional with 14 years of progressive experience in academic advising, including 10 years at East Tennessee State University. Expertise in advising-as-teaching methodologies, Appreciative Advising frameworks, and student-centered developmental approaches. Demonstrated leadership as Coordinator of CBAT Advisement with proven ability to train and mentor advisors, design retention initiatives, and collaborate across diverse university departments. Committed to creating equitable, inclusive advising environments that empower students to take ownership of their educational journeys and develop as future leaders.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Advisor – College of Business and Technology
East Tennessee State University
01.2016 - Current
- Coordinator of Advisement for College of Business (CBAT) & Technology: serve as subject matter expert for colleagues across campus on complex degree plans, policy interpretations, and challenging advising situations & advocate for CBAT advisement at university level, representing department in policy discussions and systemic improvements
- Assist with training for new advisors within the CBAT, focusing on best practices, policy compliance, and student success strategies
- Develop and implement collaborative initiatives with faculty and staff across multiple departments to improve student retention and progression
- Utilization of Banner, DegreeWorks, Navigate, Argos, GoldLink and other university systems to track student progression and maintain accurate records
- Analyze and interpret student data to assess academic progress, inform advising practices, and develop targeted intervention strategies
- Evaluate academic records and transfer credits to determine appropriate course placements and create customized degree progression plans for approximately ~300 students per semester
- Collaborate with academic departments and university administration to resolve complex student cases, process exceptions, and implement policy improvements
Adjunct Instructor – College of Business and Technology
East Tennessee State University
01.2019 - Current
- Course Coordinator for newly designed SALM 1510 course (Fall 2025) implementing curriculum design and innovation
- Previously instructed courses for both Department of Computing and Department of Exercise Science
- Integrate advising concepts into classroom instruction, creating synergy between teaching and advising practices
- Implement scaffolded learning experiences, open-ended questioning, and student-centered pedagogical approaches
Student Success Specialist
King University
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Optimized student educational strategies advising course choices, progression, and career options
- Utilize Data-driven solutions to increase student retention
- Advised students across multiple programs of study and multiple campus locations
Academic Advisor
Liberty University
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Investigated complaints and worked with students and instructors on finding positive resolutions
- Provided support and guidance to students experiencing academic and personal troubles
- Met firm deadlines while applying result-driven and goal-oriented methodology to advising initiatives
- Maintained accurate confidential student files to meet state and federal guidelines
Education
Ed. D - Global Sport Leadership
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN01.2028
Master of Science - Sport Management
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Health and Human Performance
Roanoke College
Salem, VA01.2010
Skills
- Advisement Training & Development: assisted in hiring and training multiple advisors for the College of Business and Technology, as well as at previous institutions using best practices and NACADA core competencies
- Technology Systems Expertise: proficient in Banner, Argos, DegreeWorks, GoldLink, Navigate, and other university systems
- Data Analysis & Assessment: effectively use data to continuously improve advising best practices and implement success strategies for both advisors and students
- Project Management: ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities, implementation of D2L site for Computing students, revising SOPs for CBAT advising/training
- Cross-Department Collaboration: demonstrated ability to collaborate across university departments and serve on multiple committees, fostering productive relationships across ETSU’s decentralized advisement structure
- ETSU Systems and Policy Knowledge: comprehensive understanding of ETSU policies, procedures, systems, and student support services
- Ability to Effectively Communicate: presentation experience at multiple conferences and ability to engage with diverse faculty, staff, and student populations
Accomplishments
- CBAT Staff of the Year Award (2024)
- NACADA Region 3 Conference Presenter (2025) – Co-presented on ETSU's hybrid centralized/decentralized advisement model
- Active NACADA member with regular engagement in webinars, Academic Advising Today articles, and regional conferences - Continuous professional development in equity-minded advising, first-generation student support, and mental health in advising
- Academic Advisement Leadership Team Member
- Computing Department Leadership Team Member
- Computing Department Curriculum Committee Member
- CBAT International Student Seminar Committee Member
- Tennessee Transfer Pathway Committee – ETSU Advisor Representative
- Participated in ABET accreditation visits as departmental resource
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor – College of Business and Technology
East Tennessee State University
01.2019 - Current
Academic Advisor – College of Business and Technology
East Tennessee State University
01.2016 - Current
Student Success Specialist
King University
01.2014 - 01.2016
Academic Advisor
Liberty University
01.2010 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Sport Management
East Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science - Health and Human Performance
Roanoke College
Ed. D - Global Sport Leadership
East Tennessee State University
Professional Development & Awards
CBAT Staff of the Year Award (2024), NACADA Member - Region 3 Conference Presenter (2025), Academic Advisement Leadership Team Member, Computing Department Leadership Team, Computing Department Curriculum Committee, ISS Committee, Tennessee Transfer Pathway Committee, Assists with onboarding and training of new advisors within College of Business and Technology, ETSU Advisor Representative on Tennessee Transfer Pathway Committee, Annual evaluation of teaching and advising practices ensuring alignment with best practices