It might not be obvious from the closely cropped hair in this current photo, but Bill Richards (Academic and Career Advisement Center) used to sport a different, more expansive style. “Many people don’t know this about me, but I used to have dreadlocks,” he said, pointing to a dated picture. “This is me with all of the hair.”
Richards became coordinator of academic support services in February 2007. He meets daily with students to provide academic and career guidance. Many of the students he advises have undeclared majors.
“I help them register for classes, talk about what classes they should take and focus on possible majors in the future,” he said.
No stranger to helping students, Richards worked as an academic programmer, tutor and admissions counselor at NMU before joining the Academic and Career Advisement Center staff. He has served as a mentor for the Student Leader Fellowship Program and an adviser for student organizations. He also is a UN 100 instructor.
“I love teaching freshman seminar and if I could be quoted, I would say, ‘It’s killer.’ I enjoy the fresh perspective I gain when I meet with students. I like that Northern focuses on student success and serving students; it is just a great place.”
Richards also assists with the “Welcome Weekend” mountain bike ride, which blends his professional and personal interests.
“I love mountain biking,” he said. “Living in Marquette is a bonus because it’s such a balanced place. I ride my bike everywhere, but not during the winter anymore. I also got my wife, Haley, to start biking everywhere, too. With summer coming, I just want to get outside and enjoy the weather. Hopefully we’ll be able to get in a lot of biking this year.”
Other free-time activities Richards enjoys include playing the guitar, fixing up his older house, canoeing and back-country skiing. “
Richards received his bachelor’s in writing and his master’s in student guidance counseling, both from NMU. |
Campus Closeup: Bill Richards
