From prospective student to recruitment director: UK Ph.D. grad guides next generation of students

When prospective graduate students contact the University of Kentucky College of Education, they may not realize they are connecting with someone who was in their shoes just a few years ago.

Three years ago, Isiaka Olayinka Busari, Ph.D., was exploring the possibilities UK had to offer and determining whether the programs matched his own academic goals. He was drawn to the Ph.D. in STEM Education offered by the College of Education and eventually focused his dissertation on helping struggling math learners. In July, he earned his Ph.D. and now serves as the college’s director of graduate student recruitment.

Busari’s journey offers a unique source of encouragement to prospective graduate students. He recently navigated the same process that those prospective students are just beginning. Now, he answers inquiries from individuals exploring graduate certificates and master’s and doctoral degrees in teaching, counselor education, exercise science, higher education, biomechanics, counseling psychology, health promotion and sport and exercise psychology, among others offered in the College of Education. Many seek a school where professors challenge them academically and professionally to work at their highest level.

The opportunity for challenge appealed to Busari, who had an ambitious goal of completing his Ph.D. in three years. He achieved this goal with the support of his doctoral committee and advisors.

“Any time I had a plan, they loved it and accepted it, though it was very challenging,” he said. “Doing a graduate program is not an easy task. It drains energy sometimes. The advisors checked on us as well, asking if we were doing okay. I had assurance that I had people that I could depend on. That is important when things are not going right, especially among international students.”

Among Busari’s strongest supporters in pursuing graduate school were his older siblings. His sister played a pivotal role in inspiring him to take the bold step of moving to the United State, encouraging him to chase more significant opportunities and believe in his potential. Her belief in his dreams initially pushed him to embark on this life-changing journey.

Once in the U.S., his brother, a U.S. citizen, welcomed him with open arms and provided crucial support. His brother even paid the tuition for the start of his second master’s degree, ensuring Busari could continue his academic path without financial burden. Throughout his journey, his brother has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement.

“I wouldn’t be here without them,” Busari said. “My sister’s encouragement to move to the U.S. and my brother’s unwavering support when I arrived — especially paying for my tuition — are things I can never take for granted. I recently showed my brother the acknowledgment page of my dissertation, where I thanked him for making my dream come true.”

Busari’s personal journey — pursuing higher education to create a better future for his family — motivates him to serve prospective students with the same drive and dedication.

“When you’re in a role like academic advisor or recruiter, it’s not just about you. You’re in that position to help others,” Busari said. “You have to ask yourself, ‘How many lives have I positively impacted? How many great relationships have I built? When I’m no longer in this role, what good will people remember me for?’  Whatever you do, do it well, and people will appreciate your efforts.”

Busari’s academic path began in Nigeria, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in building technology. While helping classmates with mathematics, many suggested he had a talent for teaching and would invariably ask if he had considered becoming a professor. Intrigued by the idea, Busari did something unconventional. He kept working on his building technology degree and enrolled at another university to simultaneously pursue a degree in education.

“To find a way to overcome the challenges of earning two degrees, in two different locations, at two universities, it encouraged me that nothing is impossible for me to achieve,” Busari said. “I applied for my master’s in education after that, sure that I wanted to fulfill my dreams of being an educator.”

Following his master’s program, Busari directed a school program to help struggling students in underserved Nigerian communities. After getting married, he considered his future.

“It came to mind, do I want to settle or continue growing in this journey,” Busari said. “And that is what inspired me to come to the U.S.”

Eight months after arriving in the U.S., Busari’s wife and child were able to join him in Ohio. His academic journey in the U.S. began with a master’s program in education, focused on curriculum and instruction in secondary mathematics education. However, after two semesters, he decided to transfer to Cuyahoga Community College, where he earned an associate degree in science, following a STEM pathway. This step became a crucial foundation for his future academic success.

With his family now by his side, Busari pursued further opportunities and set his sights on a Ph.D. program at the University of Kentucky. While seeking funding, he maintained persistent communication with the program’s Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), who also served as a faculty member. His dedication paid off when the DGS informed him of a teaching assistant position in the university’s Transformative Learning Department of Student Success. There, Busari taught foundational mathematics to students who needed support in reaching their advanced mathematics benchmarks, a role that aligned with his passion for helping struggling learners. This opportunity set the stage for his Ph.D. journey at UK.

During his studies at UK, Busari was the inaugural president of the Nigerian Graduate Student Association, offering guidance and support to students, much like his brother had done for him. He recalls helping one student who was struggling with the decision of whether to apply to graduate school or gain work experience first.

“Sometimes students have different reasons for making decisions, so you have to listen to the student first and hear why they want to make that decision. Getting to know their ‘why’ helps you figure out the best way to give them advice,” Busari said.

As a graduate school recruitment director, Busari aims to help students discover what is best for them.

“I want them to come to grad school, but they have to look at what is truly best for them. At the end of the day, the decision is theirs. I tell people, if you make a decision, don’t regret it. Not all decisions are going to be great, but once you make one, be proud of it and see it through.”

As he embarks on his new role as director of graduate student recruitment, Busari is focused on building a strong network to support his career and better assist the students he interacts with.

“A tree cannot make a forest, so you need people around you to help push you through the finish line,"he said. “That’s what a graduate student needs the most — a strong support system.”