Columbus State University, located in Georgia, is significantly enhancing its student support services by investing $4 million to hire 40 specialized academic and career coaches. This major initiative aims to provide students with personalized guidance throughout their educational journeys, ensuring they receive the dedicated support necessary to thrive both academically and professionally.
Over the next year, Columbus State will expand its staff significantly, initially recruiting seven career coaches and 20 academic coaches this spring. An additional 20 coaching positions will be introduced by the end of the 2025–26 academic year, underlining the university’s firm commitment to comprehensive student support.
Why student success coaching matters
Research has consistently shown that success coaching is one of the most effective approaches for improving student retention, graduation rates, and overall academic outcomes. At Columbus State, the introduction of professional coaches seeks not only to enhance student achievement but also to relieve faculty members of advising duties, allowing them greater focus on teaching, research, and mentorship roles.
Previously, Columbus State relied heavily on staff advisers to guide students through course registration and major selection during their initial years, with faculty stepping in as advisers when students reached advanced coursework. The university’s revamped coaching model, however, provides more continuous and comprehensive support from enrollment through graduation.
This strategic decision forms part of Columbus State’s partnership with the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University, renowned for its evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing retention and graduation outcomes. This new model draws inspiration from the successful coaching system employed by the University of Kentucky.
Inside Columbus State’s innovative coaching approach
Under the new model, traditional advisers become certified Academic Success Coaches, credentialed through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). These coaches will play an active role in supporting students through critical academic decisions, encouraging the use of university resources, and maintaining steady progress toward timely graduation.
Columbus State University President Stuart Rayfield emphasized the transformative potential of this model, noting, “By enhancing these positions through additional training and certifications, we can better support students on their academic journeys and help them achieve their professional and personal aspirations.”
Melissa Young, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, highlighted that staff transitioning into coaching roles will benefit from a nearly 20 percent salary increase. To ensure consistency and commitment, coaches who earn their ICF certification during employment will commit to four years of service, guaranteeing students continuity in their advising experience.
The Academic Success Coaches will also facilitate workshops aimed at developing critical soft skills such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal effectiveness. Students will regularly meet with their designated coach at least once each semester, with more frequent interactions for those needing additional support.
Tailored career coaching for targeted success
Complementing academic coaching, Columbus State will introduce specialized career coaches to help students clearly align their education with career aspirations. These professionals will provide personalized career planning, professional development resources, employer connections, and assistance securing valuable internships.
Each career coach will specialize in distinct academic areas—including fine arts, social sciences, business, education, health professions, humanities, and STEM—ensuring targeted and relevant guidance. Additional coaches will specifically support undecided students, helping them find academic paths aligned with their strengths and career goals.
Financial foundation and future goals
This ambitious $4 million initiative combines funding from multiple streams, including unbudgeted tuition and fees, reallocations from existing staffing lines, and generous philanthropic support via the Columbus State University Foundation.
Melissa Young detailed the scope of investment, emphasizing it encompasses far more than staffing and salaries. The funding supports future-focused advising technology, student assessments, specialized summer bridge programs such as the Cougar Success Academy, and mentoring initiatives featuring peers and alumni. Additionally, it includes academic and career competency credentials designed to enhance student employability and career readiness.
The long-term vision for Columbus State’s coaching initiative
Currently, 11 advising staff members are eligible to transition to academic coaching roles, and the university plans further staff expansion over the next two years. By the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year, Columbus State expects to fully implement this coaching structure, significantly strengthening student support services.
Early faculty response to these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding their newfound capacity to focus more on direct student mentorship and research activities, free from administrative advising tasks. As Columbus State continues this strategic investment, it aims not only to elevate immediate student success but also to foster lifelong career opportunities and enhanced socioeconomic mobility for its graduates.
