Meet your Academic Advisors

Michael Olson, Academic Advisor

AAOT, Umpqua Community College
B.S., Psychology, Southern Oregon University

Thoughts on Advising

“I really enjoy my job as an Academic Advisor. I get to see students grow during their time at UCC. My role is to support each student in as many ways as I can. I want students to see their potential as both a person and student. My hope is that the students will see how each one of them is unique and that they have the ability to persevere and succeed in college!”


Dan Ruch, Enrollment and Transfer Advisor

B.A., Theater, University of Northern Colorado
M.F.A., Theater, University of Missouri, Kansas City
M.Ed., Education, Northern Arizona University

Thoughts on Advising

“What excites me about advising at UCC is the moment when I can connect someone to just the right resource at just the right time. As students work their way through classes, there will be many pitfalls and obstacles put in their way. My job is to reconnect them with their own power to persevere and believe in their ability to surmount those difficulties. By fiercely pursuing their goals and dreams students will leave UCC with greater respect for their abilities and themselves.”


Amanda Shirley, Academic Advisor

AAOT, Umpqua Community College

Thoughts on Advising

“I feel honored to walk with students on their educational journey while at UCC, from admissions to graduation, being available to help develop a plan, be a sounding board as challenges arise, guide through various processes and celebrating achievements. My hope is during their time at UCC students will see their potential in achieving their goals and leave prepared for the next steps in their journey.”


Dustin Cosby, Accessibility Services Coordinator and Veteran Advisor

B.S., Human Communication, Southern Oregon University
M.B.A., Organizational Psychology and Development, American Intercontinental University

Thoughts on Advising

“It is my goal as an advisor to help students achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals. Sometimes this means creating a class schedule that works around the other aspects of their life. At other times it means helping students figure out what they are passionate about. I love being able to help students navigate this chapter of their life, before they move on to the next one.”


Jennifer Driskill, Advising Specialist, TRIO Transfer Opportunity Program

AAOT, Umpqua Community College
B.S., Psychology, Southern Oregon University

Thoughts on Advising

“I love that my journey has taken me full circle and brought me back to where it all began. I love the interaction and relationships that I am building with students. I love watching our students grow personally and academically. I look forward to guiding students through their own journey while empowering them by reminding them how resilient, strong and capable they are. Each student is unique and my goal is to treat each one with empathy, sensitivity and awareness.”

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