Coaching that counts: How Integrated Success Coaches help UK students thrive

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2026) — For many students, college is a season of transition — new expectations, new pressures and new goals. Behind the scenes, Transformative Learning’s Integrated Success Coaches, part of the Office for Student Success, are often the steady presence helping students navigate those moments. 

For students like Belindy Bonser, the impact of her coaching experience with Madeline Martin is tangible. 

“What makes Madeline exceptional is her ability to blend empathy with practical strategy,” she said. “She (Martin) doesn’t just offer encouragement — she equips students with tools to succeed. Her check-ins always came when I needed them most, and she consistently went above and beyond to help me prioritize, organize and stay motivated.” 

What is Integrated Success Coaching? 

Integrated Success Coaching (ISC) is one of two pillar programs within Transformative Learning and focuses on supporting students beyond the classroom — recognizing academic success is closely connected to personal growth and well-being.  

“Integrated Success Coaching is a collaborative, student-centered approach that helps students identify their goals, navigate challenges and build strategies for success,” Martin said. “Coaches work with students on things like time management, motivation, decision-making and balancing academic and personal responsibilities. Rather than telling students what to do, we help them reflect, problem-solve and develop skills they can use long after their time at UK.” 

Unlike tutoring, which centers on course material, coaching centers on the student. Coaches partner one-on-one with students to clarify goals, strengthen accountability and create individualized action plans that empower them to take ownership of their progress. 

That partnership often leads to lasting growth. 

“The most rewarding part of my work is watching students grow in confidence and begin to trust themselves,” Martin said. “I love seeing students move from feeling overwhelmed — or unsure — to recognizing their own strengths and possibilities. Being able to walk alongside them during that process and celebrate their progress, both big and small, is incredibly fulfilling.” 

Support for final exams and beyond 

As final exams approach, many students feel the pressure of exams, deadlines and competing responsibilities. Coaching offers a proactive space to reset, refocus and build a plan moving forward before challenges become overwhelming. 

“I would want students to know that reaching out is not a sign that something is wrong; it’s a sign that they care about their growth and success,” Martin said. “ISC is a supportive, nonjudgmental space where students can talk openly about what’s working and what’s not. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start; coaching is about figuring things out together.” 

Through two interdependent pillars — Peer Supported Learning and ISC — Transformative Learning creates a cycle of student success that equips students with foundational study strategies, reinforces course content and supports long-term skill development. 

From tutoring and supplemental instruction to peer accountability communities, Transformative Learning is designed to meet students where they are in their academic and personal journeys and remove barriers to success. 

Students interested in connecting with an Integrated Success Coach can learn more or schedule an appointment at studentsuccess.uky.edu/transformative-learning.