Josh (he/him/his) is an Academic Counselor with the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) at Berea College.

In his role with ESP, Josh serves as a student success counselor, advisor, and coach to 80+ first-generation, Pelle-eligible Berea College students. As a first-generation college student himself, Josh has a strong commitment to the mission of ESP and its efforts to support Berea’s students. Josh also teaches GST 101-E, Strategies for Academic Success, a course that helps ESP students transition to college life, set and achieve academic goals, explore career options, and develop financial planning skills.

Josh earned his Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University, his Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from the State University of New York at Oswego, and his Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies from Herkimer County Community College.

Josh brings with him a wide range of experience in several areas of academic support, advisement, and student success. While his academic expertise is in writing and writing support, he is also passionate about skill acquisition, reflection, and personal development of all kinds. He believes that anyone with enough work ethic and a growth-oriented mindset can develop new skills and learn how to succeed in all walks of life.

In addition to his work at Berea, Josh has professional memberships and is involved with several higher education organizations, including the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), New York College Learning Skills Association (NYCLSA), Kentucky TRIO, and the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (SAEOPP).

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time outdoors in nature, exercising by lifting weights and (most recently) running, seeing live music from local talent, reading works of fiction, playing retro and modern video games, and taking his Australian cattle dog, Bronn, for long walks.