Blueprint for student success
Photos by Maria Errico October 22, 2025
Dedicated advising at UD’s Lerner College empowers students to plan, grow and thrive
When Grace Kotzen arrived at the University of Delaware in fall 2023, she knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur but wasn’t sure how to chart her course. During new student orientation at the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, she met Keri Rodney, an academic program manager in the Office of Undergraduate Advising. That meeting marked the start of a mentorship that would guide Kotzen’s first two years at UD.
“I focus on building trust directly with the student first,” Rodney said.
Like many first-year students, Kotzen felt nervous about scheduling classes and navigating a new environment. Rodney’s accessibility and encouragement helped ease those concerns. As they got to know each other, Kotzen opened up about her goals and began taking ownership of her academic decisions.
“Grace always came to advising meetings prepared with a plan but needed guidance on how to bring it all together, especially with changing her major,” Rodney said.
With Rodney’s support, Kotzen decided to double major in marketing and finance, a better fit for her long-term ambitions. Rodney went beyond typical course scheduling by mapping out a four-year plan to keep her on track for graduation.
Having a personalized course plan helped Kotzen stay organized and motivated, an accomplishment that caught the attention of her parents, Lisa and Gary Kotzen.
“[Gary] shared incredibly kind feedback about the support Grace had received during her first two years, which was very meaningful to hear,” Rodney said.
Lisa Kotzen said she appreciated the personal attention her daughter received at Lerner.
“I feel like the whole program and UD itself set their students up for success,” she said. “They care … They get to know them and build relationships. Not every college does that. To a lot of the big schools, you’re a number.”
Rodney’s warm gestures, such as greeting the family with a hug at their first meeting, reassured them that their daughter had a strong support system.
“That just really warmed my heart and solidified how much this university really cares,” Lisa Kotzen said.
UD’s academic advisors serve as quiet advocates for students, working behind the scenes to coordinate schedules, review major requirements and provide guidance as undergraduates pursue their degrees.
“Advisors have an amazing breadth of knowledge and can share insights about possible majors, minors and courses that align with students’ interests, or about research opportunities, independent studies, internships and more,” said Naomi Nash, director of UD’s enrollment management strategic initiatives.
“Those cumulative experiences can strongly influence a student’s overall UD experience and career trajectory,” she said.
Shaped by her own undergraduate experience at a college in New York, Rodney aims to be the advisor she wished she had, motivating students to optimize their college experience at UD, especially with opportunities like study abroad.
“I didn’t have the chance to study abroad. I didn’t have an advisor who took the time to explore that option with me, and I wasn’t confident enough to figure it out on my own,” Rodney said. “It’s something I’ve always regretted and, because of that, I make a point to encourage my students to consider study abroad programs whenever possible.”
After learning study abroad was important to Kotzen, Rodney helped her research potential programs that aligned with her double major requirements.
“She walked me through every single study abroad program, and I was able to apply for the one I wanted,” Kotzen said, noting how Rodney supported her throughout the application process.
When Rodney later reached out for an update, Kotzen was happy to share that she'd been accepted into her dream program: a 2026 winter session in Australia studying business law and international marketing.
Rodney also encouraged Kotzen to enroll in winter and summer sessions to balance her workload and earn additional credits.
“It took a lot of pressure off and allowed her to get very good grades,” Gary Kotzen said. He credited Lerner’s advising staff with supporting Grace Kotzen’s placement on the dean’s list every semester.
Kotzen and her parents credit the progress she’s made toward her degree to her multi-term plan.
By junior year, Kotzen’s accumulated credits gave her early access to course registration, helping her organize a schedule that fit her new off-campus routine.
Her success also inspired her younger brother, Max Kotzen, who joined UD’s College of Engineering in the Class of 2029.
“When I found out that Gracie’s four-year plan was already set up for her, that drew my attention to the University of Delaware because I’m the type of person who likes to plan ahead,” he said.
Now that Grace Kotzen is a junior, Rodney has transitioned her to a new advisor more closely aligned with her double majors, a standard process at Lerner. Notes from their previous meetings, recorded in UD’s new Stellic Planner advising system, ensured a smooth handoff.
While their formal relationship has concluded, the connection Kotzen formed with Rodney remains, especially as she prepares for her winter study abroad trip.
“When I go [to Australia], I’ll be sending her pictures,” she said.
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