Education 

MEd, Higher Education Administration, College of William and Mary
BS, Psychology, Virginia Tech 
BS, Sociology, Virginia Tech

Aimee Stright began working at James Madison University in May 2016 in Career and Academic Planning as a Career and Academic Advisor. In July 2020, she transitioned to University Advising, moving into her new role as Assistant Director of University Advising. Aimee brings multiple years of experience as an academic advisor, having worked as an Academic Advisor at NC State in the Exploratory Studies program prior. While at NC State, she was honored with the NACADA Region 3 New Advisor Award for Excellence in Advising. At a National level, she earned the Outstanding New Advisor Award, Certificate of Merit. Always a fan of lifelong learning, Aimee consistently dedicates time to professional development topics in effective communication, equity and access, diversity, and other essential topics. Aimee has completed specialized training in Crucial Conversations, Safe Zone, areas of Equal Opportunity, and in reflective teaching. She is also certified in the Strong Interest Inventory assessment. Aimee is a member of NACADA, the National Academic Advising Association, and attending professional conferences to learn best practices to serve her students.

A Virginia native, Aimee enjoys living in Harrisonburg with her dog, exploring surrounding areas, as well as visiting family and friends in Northern Virginia. She earned her Masters degree in Higher Education Administration from the College of William & Mary while gaining value experience with the Dean of Students Office and the Academic Advising office on campus. Aimee is also a proud Virginia Tech Hokie, having earned two undergraduate degrees, one in Psychology and one in Sociology during her time on campus.

In her current role, Aimee coordinates the Madison Advising Peers program (JMU’s student peer advisors), manages the First Year Advising Program in collaboration with Marquis McGee, and serves as an advising resource for students across campus. One of her favorite parts about her job is serving as an advisor for students exploring majors and minors across JMU in order to help them find a best fit program to meet their needs. Aimee is excited to develop and lead academic advising assessment efforts with these programs, using data to effectively inform decisions and practices.

Presentations:

A Sure Bet: Implementing Career Preparation During First Year Experience. National Resource Center for the First Year Experience (FYE), Las Vegas, NV; February 2019.

Many Hands Make Better Work: Successful Career Services Collaboration in Student and Academic Affairs. Co-Presented with Kristin Sowden, Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE), Richmond, VA; April 2018.

ATL: Advise. Teach. Launch! How Advisors Implement Career Preparation During the First Two Years. Co-presented with Amy Kish, National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) National Conference, Atlanta, GA; October 2016.

#notanonymous: Teaching Professionalism in Social Media. National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) National Conference, Atlanta, GA; October 2016.

Let’s Chat: How to Engage Parents and Family Members; Co-Presented with Jordan McMican. National Resource Center for the First Year Experience (FYE), Orlando, FL; February 2016.

Everybody Needs Somebody. I’m Talking to You!; Co-presented with Victoria Silvestri, Ayo Agunbiade, & Justin Roe; National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region 3 Conference, Morgantown, WV; April 2014.

Building a Better Mouse Trap: Using Technology to Increase Retention; Co-presented with Melinda Anderson; National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Virginia State Drive in, Fairfax, VA; August 2013.

Planting the Entire Garden at the Same Time: Best Practices for Virtual Group Advising; Co-presented with Melinda Anderson and Elise Buckley; National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region 2 Conference, New Brunswick, NJ; April 2013.