- Department:
- IU Online – Office of Online Education
- Campus:
- IU
How did you end up at IU?
I began my journey at IU Bloomington as part of the 2004 IU Groups program, initially majoring in elementary education. However, after my student teaching experience, I realized that wasn’t the right fit for me. I considered secondary education but found it challenging to commit to teaching a single subject.
My academic advisor, Mrs. Becky, was instrumental in my success at IU and inspired my career in higher education. She provided constant encouragement and invaluable resources, even offering math tutoring herself. It was her suggestion to pursue a career in higher education that changed my path.
In my junior year, I switched my major to Human Development, but ironically, I was developing a human at the same time. I changed my major to General Studies to graduate quickly.
After graduating, I explored various jobs but always aimed to become an academic advisor. I faced a choice: return to school for a graduate degree or gain experience in the field. At that time, returning to school wasn’t feasible for me. In 2012, I left my full-time position at Chase to work as a student services representative at a small college, gaining the experience I needed to work toward my goal of joining IU.
In 2015, a position for a Success Coach for online students at IU East opened, requiring just one year of higher education experience and a bachelor’s degree. This was my opportunity! Although my goal was to become an academic advisor, this role was a significant step in that direction. I was proud to be one of the first two success coaches hired for online students at IU East.
At that time, success coaching was still a developing concept, and we were responsible for establishing its foundation for our online students. After helping to create the framework for success coaching at IU East, I was invited in 2017 to expand the program to IUPUI and five other IU campuses. In 2022, we became part of the Office of Online Education. Today, I serve as the Senior Success Coach for online students, specifically assisting those enrolled in Business and Accounting majors (last names A-K).
Could you explain some of the responsibilities of your role at IU?
After our online students complete their first year, they transition from the IU Online GO Team to their assigned IU Online Student Success Coach. In this role, I serve as a primary point of contact for the university, connecting students with essential resources, addressing their questions, and helping to resolve any challenges they encounter. Additionally, I act as a personal motivator throughout their IU Online academic journey.
Success Coaches provide both one-on-one and group success coaching to empower students in their academic pursuits. This involves discussing various factors that may impact their success, whether those stem from academic or personal circumstances. As advocates for our online students, we ensure they have the support they need.
We communicate important information such as dates, deadlines, and academic support through our Student Engagement Roster (SER) outreach. We also facilitate a range of virtual engagement events, including our Student Success Series, Open and Guided Study Sessions, Group Coaching, and Office Hours.
What inspired you to join IU Women in IT (IUWIT)?
My passion for technology and encouragement from my supervisor motivated me to join IUWIT as a professional development opportunity. I've always been fascinated by tech; even as a customer service rep at T-Mobile, I enjoyed customizing (jailbreaking) iPhones and exploring Android features. To now, where I am constantly learning about the emergence of new technology, such as Open AI or CRISPR.
Initially, I didn’t see myself as a woman in IT, but my supervisor's support opened my eyes to the possibility. I also wanted to leverage tools like Open AI to better assist our online students. Joining IUWIT has been invaluable, allowing me to learn and connect with inspiring women at various stages of their careers.
Is there a role model you look up to in your personal or professional life?
I would say my undergraduate academic advisor, Mrs. Becky and my graduate school advisor, Dr. Thompson, are two key role models for me. Both demonstrated the profound impact that genuine care and support can have on a student’s journey. There were moments in my education when I felt like giving up, and it was their encouragement that reignited my motivation and persistence. Their influence drives me to be the best success coach I can be, ensuring I provide that same support to others.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy reading, relaxing in the sun by the beach or pool, and biking with my son. I also love gardening, baking, and gaming. Knitting is a favorite pastime, especially while listening to NPR or true crime podcasts. Additionally, I run a small business where I hand-dye wool for other makers. This project has also sparked my interest in technology, as I've taught myself to code for my website, which I find incredibly fascinating.