When students struggle in their business courses, the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) at the College of Business stands as a beacon of support. By providing free tutoring to students in more than 220 sessions last spring, junior economics major Blake Hibbs from Wayzata, Minnesota, realized his commitment to helping students and destigmatizing the need for academic assistance.

“The hardest part about getting help is reaching out,” said Hibbs, who became a tutor to pay forward the support he received when needed. “As a last resort, I walked into the TLC and met with a tutor, and with his help, I received an A on that project. I want to continue making the TLC a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable to come get help. Every student needs help at some point while at the university, and the TLC is a great resource to leverage.”

After Kara Mack, sophomore management and finance major from Overland Park, Kansas, faced some challenges in her Statistics (ECON 215) course, she reached out to Hibbs. During their tutoring sessions, Hibbs utilized visualization techniques to help her navigate the complexities of statistics, transforming abstract concepts into manageable ideas.

“By working with him, I bumped up my test scores drastically,” she said. “Blake didn’t just teach. He made it feel like a conversation. That approach really helped me understand the material better.”

The TLC’s effectiveness is evident in student feedback, with 96% of surveyed students rating their experience with a tutor five out of five stars. Additionally, 97% reported feeling “better prepared” after their sessions. Research has shown that receiving tutoring during the weeks when the material is covered for exams can correspond to a 5.68-point increase in subsequent test scores. Moreover, students who seek tutoring tend to have less variability in their grades, with fewer low scores compared with those who do not seek assistance.

Hibbs emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable environment for students.

“Every student learns differently, and my job is to adapt to those needs,” he said. “I want students to feel asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.”

With donor support, tutors in the TLC provide free tutoring appointments and course review sessions. Offering both in-person and virtual sessions, the center aims to foster an inclusive atmosphere where students can thrive academically.

“Thanks to Blake, I learned not only how to approach my assignments but also how to study effectively for future classes,” she shared.

After working as a commodity intern at Cargill in Kansas City this summer, Hibbs hopes to gain a full-time position at the company after graduation. Until then, he continues his advocacy for academic support.

“Seeking help is an integral part of the learning process, one that can lead to transformative academic experiences,” Hibbs said. “I want to encourage every student to take advantage of the resources available to them.”