Higher Education · Advising Technology · Author

Mike T. Dial

I work at the intersection of student success, technology, and higher education leadership — helping advisors, administrators, and institutions do their best work.

Scholarship Read My Writing ↗

About

I'm a higher education professional, academic advising technology leader, and author at the University of South Carolina. As Senior Program Manager for Advising Technology Innovation & Assessment, I oversee the strategic implementation of campus-wide advising systems — connecting the right tools to the human work that actually moves students forward.

Over the years I've edited and co-authored books on academic advising administration and academic recovery, led one of USC's largest advising programs through a 200%+ expansion, and presented research at national conferences including NACADA and NASPA.

I write regularly on Substack about higher education, advising practice, and the ideas I'm thinking through. New essays go out to subscribers there.

Current Role Sr. Program Manager, Advising Technology Innovation & Assessment, University of South Carolina

Focus Areas Advising Technology · Student Success · Early Alert

Location Columbia, SC

Writing mtdial.substack.com ↗

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/mtdial ↗

What I Do

My professional work spans four interconnected areas.

⚙️

Technology

Leading the strategic implementation of campus-wide advising systems — from CRM platforms and early alert tools to AI-assisted workflows that free up time for the human work that matters most.

🏛️

Advising Administration

Leading and managing advising units with a focus on staff development, data-informed practice, and building cultures of scholarship within advising organizations.

🔔

Early Alert

Designing and running proactive intervention systems that identify students at risk before small struggles become serious ones — and connecting them to support at the right moment.

📈

Academic Recovery

Supporting students on academic probation through structured programs, policy reform, and intentional advising — with a track record of research and publication in this space.

Recent Writing

From my Substack — essays on higher education, advising, and ideas worth thinking through.

The “Give a Shit” Theory of Academic Advising March 2026 ↗ My Mom Didn't Want an Email Address Either: On AI Resistance in Higher Ed March 2026 ↗

Recognition

Selected awards and honors.

2020

NACADA Certificate of Merit — Outstanding Advising Programs

NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising

2018

Gold Award — Student Union, Leadership & Related Excellence

NASPA · University 101 Peer Leader Program

2015

Model of Excellence — Success Connect Early Alert Program

University Business Magazine (National)

2015–2023

M. Stuart Hunter Award for Outstanding Teaching — Nominee

University 101 Programs, University of South Carolina