Shanieka Brooks

With over a decade of experience in academic advising and counseling, Shanieka offers students holistic support with a focus on inclusion, diversity, and creating a student-centered environment. She places a particular emphasis on mental health and wellness, cultural competency, and support for neurodiverse learners.  Prior to joining Pratt, she served as Assistant Director of Advising and Student Services at NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.

Advising Philosophy

The student-advisor relationship is the most critical collaboration during a college student’s career. I believe academic advisors are the co-pilots of the student journey from inception to post-graduate life. We are the GPS for the student who is on course to explore their academic, career and personal endeavors while learning that successes and failure are a part of the process. In service of others, I use empathy, inclusivity and transparency to guide students to their goals. Through one on one interactions,  I enthusiastically meet students where they are and offer an active listening ear, snack or fidget as they navigate the higher ed landscape which can be rife with complex policies and tedious paperwork. By serving on various committees, attending conferences, and developing a space for students to feel more connected, my aim is to ensure students build resilience and  persistence in order to thrive in their academics and in life.