Academic Advisor: Undergraduate Students
About
Kelsey Banfield is an Academic Advisor at the University of Michigan's International Institute (II) and currently serves as the co-president of the Advising Council at the University of Michigan (ACUM) [2023-2025]. She advises current and prospective undergraduate students exploring international and area studies majors and minors. She was honored with the LSA Excellence in Departmental Advising Award in 2022.
Integrity, inclusivity, and individualization in advising are values prioritized in Kelsey’s philosophy. She is energized by challenging students to be self-advocates, to craft their liberal arts curriculum and pursue it bravely, and to write their own unique narratives of success. She is also interested in curriculum development and innovation.
Prior to joining the II in 2015, she worked for an international law firm network, taught secondary social sciences in the UP, and worked within student academic affairs units at the University of Michigan, Middle Tennessee State University, and Eastern Michigan University. Kelsey holds an MA in educational leadership/higher education and student affairs, a graduate certificate in academic advising, and a BS in social science education.
Outside of the office, Kelsey enjoys exploring new restaurants with her husband, traveling with her blended and extended family, being her kids’ loudest cheerleader, serving her community, and continually learning about cultures of the world.
