Blake Binford    

Academic Advisor for LIST and FSCI Departments

Learn more about Blake!

Hometown:
Friendswood, TX

Degrees:
B.A., University of Texas (Classics)
M.A., University of Houston-Clear Lake (Literature)

Sports allegiances:
Astros!

Favorite Galveston spot:
To Eat: Cajun Greek;
To See: Bishop's Palace;
To Walk: The Seawall

Why did you become an academic advisor/academic coach/educational administrator?
I've always wanted a career in education because nothing satisfies me more than helping students achieve success. I used to teach at a high school, but advising offers me the chance to work more with students one-on-one.

What is your favorite thing about the TAMUG experience?
TAMUG is such a unique place. It has a friendly, small-town feel and a special relationship with the local environment.

What is your best advice for incoming students?
Always remember that there is an entire community here ready to support you when you need it. You don't have to go it alone. So be willing to explore, experiment, and take risks, and never be afraid to reach out for help.

What is your advising/coaching/leadership philosophy?
Advising is an essential part of every student's education. In classes, you gain specialized knowledge about the subject-matter you're studying, but through advising, you can become a better learner overall. Advisors should help students reflect on their experiences and make intentional decisions about what path is best for them.

What do you do when you are not advising/coaching/working?
Reading and watching TV (especially sci-fi/fantasy stories and history), playing board games and video games, and exploring new places like restaurants, parks, and historical sites. 

What else should students know about you?
My wife and I have a cat named Sophy and a miniature Australian shepherd named Iroh. They are my world! If you have pictures or stories of pets, you should always feel free to share them with me.