How a book club inspired an award-winning advising approach at Texas A&M
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences advisors use leadership concept to foster student connection
A simple book club among academic advisors in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has grown into a nationally recognized advising approach.
The book club, a part of the College’s student success initiative, created a strong partnership between student success and academic affairs, enhancing outcomes for students.
Advisors Hannah Muras and Kelsey Hirsch launched the effort after revisiting a leadership concept known as the “Fish Philosophy,” a workplace approach focused on choosing a positive attitude, being present and making someone’s day, outlined in the book, “Fish! Tales.” What began as a small professional development idea quickly gained momentum among advisors in the College.
“Leadership is everyone’s business,” Hirsch said. “It’s a role you take on and not a position you are put into.”
Through the book club discussions, advisors have explored practical ways to bring unique, impactful ideas into everyday student interactions, and the Fish Philosophy is reeling in attention from advisors across the country.
“Leadership is everyone’s business. It’s a role you take on and not a position you are put into.”
Kelsey Hirsch
Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Academic Advisor
Building connection in everyday advising
For Muras, the philosophy centers on creating advising spaces where students feel comfortable, supported and seen.
“We step outside our space and meet students where they are,” Muras said.
That mindset has shaped small but meaningful changes in the advising hub, from hosting student events to offering snacks and study spaces during busy times of the semester. The goal is to help students view advising as a place for guidance and connection rather than just a required appointment.
“We want to be transformational and not transactional,” Hirsch said.
Sharing the idea beyond campus
The concept has moved beyond campus with Muras and Hirsch presenting their work at higher education and advising conferences across the country, including at the National Academic Advising Association, NACADA, conference and the Texas Conference on Student Success.
Their presentation on the advising approach earned NACADA’s Best of Region 7 recognition in 2025, opening the door to share their work with a national audience.
For Muras and Hirsch, the recognition reflects the heart of the philosophy: small ideas can have a big impact.
“One of the best things about the Fish Philosophy is that it costs nothing,” Hirsch said. “But those small moments of connection can mean everything to a student who just needs someone to show up for them.”
