Advisor Spotlight: Ryan Shadbolt

January 16, 2026

This month, we are excited to spotlight Dr. Ryan Shadbolt, our academic advisor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences. Dr. Shadbolt has been advising and teaching in the department since 2019 and was recently promoted to Senior Academic Specialist, with a split appointment between advising, teaching, and additional academic responsibilities. 

Dr. Shadbolt’s Michigan State University journey began in 2001. He earned his master’s degree in 2003 and his doctorate in 2009, followed by a postdoctoral research associate position from 2009–2011. After several years away from the university, he returned to MSU in 2019 as an Academic Specialist. In addition to advising, he frequently teaches large-enrollment courses such as GEO 203: Introduction to Meteorology and the newer GEO 103: Introduction to Climate Change Studies. Dr. Shadbolt loves Michigan weather. 

As a first-generation college student who once navigated his undergraduate experience without an assigned advisor, Dr. Shadbolt credits that experience as the driving force behind his dedication to academic advising and teaching. He is passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds - first-year students, transfers, and those changing majors - and finds great fulfillment in witnessing student learning, developing, overcoming, and thriving. Dr. Shadbolt shared, “I get to celebrate their life-changing accomplishments, such as awards, internships, graduations, and job offers. How cool is that?!” 

A student recently reflected, “Dr. Shadbolt has been an incredible support throughout my time at Michigan State since I transferred in 2022. Whether it was reopening a missed assignment due to my own oversight or helping me plan my schedule for the upcoming semester, he was always someone I could rely on. His responsiveness and guidance consistently pointed me in the right direction, and I truly appreciated his willingness to help.” 

Dr. Shadbolt exemplifies the impact an advisor can have on student development and success, and we are proud to spotlight his dedication and contributions to the MSU community.