Congratulations to Michael Balasek, our new Director of The Advising Center.
Michael has worked at Sonoma State University for the past nine years and has served as the Athletics’ Compliance Coordinator, Compliance and Student-Athlete Academic Advisor, and most recently a Professional Academic Advisor. As Michael transitions to his new role, he looks forward to collaborating and supporting the building of The Advising Center which provides holistic, intensive, and proactive academic advising, while also actively assisting in university-wide efforts to improve students’ experiences, retention, persistence, and graduation.
Michael earned his M.Ed. in Physical Education – Athletic Administration from Idaho State University and his B.A. in Philosophy with an emphasis in Pre-Law Advising and a Minor in Ethics from CSU, Chico. While at CSU Chico, Michael was also a student-athlete on the Men’s Track & Field team, specializing in the 110m and 400m hurdles. In his free time, Michael loves being outdoors, running the trails in Trione-Annadel State Park, hiking and fishing in the Stanislaus National Forest, exploring Sonoma County for new Cab Francs, free-diving on our coasts, and spending time with his wife Alena, son Jackson, and dog Cousteaux.
Michael’s first day as Director of The Advising Center will be Thursday, January 31st. Please help me in congratulating Michael on his new position!