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Michael Adkins is the Director of Academic & Career Advising at Wharton County Junior College. Michael has dedicated their career to helping students succeed in college and beyond.

Adkins began their career in academic advising at Thomas Nelson Community College in 2012. In their five years at Thomas Nelson, they helped countless students navigate their way through college and find their path to success. In 2017, they were recruited to Northwest College to serve as the Academic and Career Advising Coordinator. In this role, they managed the daily activities of the Advising Center and supervised the Center's peer mentors.

In 2019, Adkins was recruited to Montana State University Billings to serve as the Retention Director. In this role, they led the Academic Support Center's peer mentoring program, managed the University's early alert system, and led the summer bridge program. Michael also chaired multiple committees focused on student retention and success and worked to build an institutional culture focused on student success.

Adkins is now back in their home state of Texas, serving as the Director of Academic & Career Advising at Wharton County Junior College. Michael is passionate about helping students reach their full potential and is committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Dr. Michael Adkins is an education policy leader who has dedicated their career to improving access and equity in higher education. Michael holds a Doctor of Education from William & Mary, a Master's Degree in Higher Education from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Christopher Newport University. In addition to their academic credentials, Dr. Adkins has also completed several professional development courses on topics such as brain-based elearning design, inclusive instructional design, learning to teach online, managing up, using neuroscience for more effective L&D, and strategic thinking.

Some of their coworkers include Tara Zekavat - Director of Adult Education & Literacy, Michael Feyen - Director of Facilities Management, and Kimberly Willis - Director of Senior Citizens Program. A direct report to Michael Adkins is and Antoinette Smith - Academic Advisor. Their manager is Betty McCrohan, President.