CEPS Advising Center
Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyo., Kris Brewer and her husband moved to Wright, Wyo.,
during the coal boom of the 1980s. Their two daughters were raised there until 1990
when they moved back to Cheyenne. Brewer began working for the University of Wyoming
in 1990 in Cheyenne at the Family Practice Center. When her husband received a job
at Wyoming Technical Institute, she applied for and received a job in what was then
the Family and Consumer Sciences Department on campus. She had the privilege of working
in several departments, including Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management (now
under a new name), Cooperative Extension, Adult Education and Instruction Technology,
the Graduate School, Office of the Registrar, Mechanical Engineering and now is a
Senior Professional Advisor in the Advising Center in the College of Engineering and
Applied Science. She has two granddaughters who were born and are being raised in
Laramie.
Some of her best memories are working with FFA students (both high school and college)
and providing guidance when necessary. She has worked with pre-med students, agriculture-based
students, education students, graduate students, and now engineering students. To
say Brewer enjoys working with students is a bit of an understatement! She also is
a co-advisor for the Collegiate FFA RSO.
Philosophy
I believe it is important to build a strong rapport with each of my advisees and colleagues.
We must work together to build an understanding of what is necessary for the student’s
success. I will strive to assist my colleagues by listening to them, providing mentorship
to new advising professionals and ensuring they are recognized for their dedication
to the profession.
It is important to try to gain an understanding of the stories and personal perspectives
of each student. I will seek to help each student develop a sense of self-responsibility
by challenging and supporting them. It’s important to allow the student to be themselves
and listen to their concerns and aspirations. By doing this, I am helping my students
achieve their personal, academic, social and career goals.
I believe each student is personally responsible for their educational development
and career attainment. If provided clear expectations, they will rise to meet any
challenge. Students need to be involved in their educational career, not just given
a list of courses to follow.
I need to provide a safe and equitable advising environment. I will leave assumptions
and preconceived notions “at the door” and listen to the student’s concerns and desires.
The student needs to be allowed to be themselves. It is important to make students
aware of the resources around them they can utilize.
The more a student is involved in all collegiate activities, the more likely they
are to succeed. This activity can also be tied to retention. I will encourage co-curricular
involvement based on our conversations.
Regular participation in training opportunities will ensure my students are continually
receiving superior support. Attending UW and NACADA events are ways I can strive to
improve my advising skills and collaborate with others in the profession.