October is Careers in Student Affairs Month! To celebrate, the Office of Student Life is highlighting staff members from different departments. Learn more about each staff member and their Student Life journey by reading the spotlights below.
Brandon Shurr
Student Care and Resource Center – Crimson Cupboard
Brandon Shurr is the Associate Director of Basic Needs for the Student Care and Resource Center. Brandon has worked at IU in the Student Affairs field for eight years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“I have had great conversations with Crimson Cupboard Food Pantry shoppers. Many shoppers will stay at the pantry for long periods of time chatting and sharing their stories with the staff. It has been a great place to welcome people in and for them to welcome us into their lives. People appreciate the work that the Office of Student Life is doing to help with food insecurity.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“I got into Student Affairs later in life, and I would encourage others that are thinking about it to realize that there are many diverse options within the field. I have been able to transition my experiences and skills from the non-profit world to Student Affairs.”
Kodee Walls
Counseling and Psychological Services
Kodee Walls is the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services. Kodee has worked at IU for two months, but has been in the Student Affairs field for seven years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“My role with Student Life has always been one as a practicing psychologist. In some ways, that role can inadvertently create a black box for other Student Life partners who may refer students that they’re supporting to CAPS. I have been fortunate that my colleagues are aware of the limitations of sharing therapeutic information while understanding I can receive and hold their experience with the student. Being a container for their concern and stress creates a community of support beyond the institution’s students. When a professional knows the student will be taken care of, that relief of that mental burden can be visible at times.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“You know all those group projects you have to do in almost every class, and you tell yourself, ‘I can’t wait to be done with these’? Turns out group projects are the lifeblood of functioning in a healthy system of Student Life! When we invite people to show up authentically in all spaces, be mindful that your job will be so much easier if you lean into relationship building and capitalizing on the unique expertise of your colleagues. We are more alike than different!”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“I always encourage folks interested in this work to refine their assertiveness skills. Those of us drawn to Student Life work are often helpers by nature. This philosophy or value can also easily lead to burnout or exploitation by well-meaning people. It’s okay to say ‘no’ or ‘not at this time.’ Taking care of yourself ensures you can care for others when the time comes.”
Nicholas Hunter-Shields
Bradford Woods
Nicholas Hunter-Shields is the Marketing and Enrollment Coordinator for Bradford Woods. Nicholas has worked at IU for seven years and in the Student Affairs/Life field for two years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“Working in the Student Affairs/Life field can be very rewarding, especially when part of your role is to facilitate programs for college students. One program I remember very well was with the IU Cox Scholars program, and I was facilitating a module called ‘Road Map.’ This is where students let their guard down for a bit and create a road map of their lives focusing on the past, present, and future while noting major life events that have happened or they hope will come. Watching these students write down and talk about their life experiences, where they come from, and where they hope to go gives me hope for the future. Their aspirations to move up in the world, to enact real change, and to be the difference in a program or a field; it’s truly remarkable what you can dream of when given the space to create. Listening to their stories reminds me why working in this field is so important and valuable, not only for my experience but for the students we aim to serve.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“My advice would be to always have an open and inclusive mindset when approaching any world in the field of Student Affairs/Life. There are so many instances where you can not only teach, but also learn from your peers, colleagues, and students. If you enter that space with an open mind and listening ears, you then have the ability to grow and learn something new.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Because we work with the widest population covering all backgrounds, identities, and interests, we have the ability to think big, dream broadly, and get as creative as we want. In order to represent students, the people seated at the table must also equitably represent that. The exciting thing about working in this field is that it does represent that. There is a place for everyone at the table, and there should be.”
David Beardmore
Student Care and Resource Center
David Beardmore is a Care Coordinator at the Student Care and Resource Center. David has worked at IU for two months and in the Student Affairs/Life field for a year and a half.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“I remember how large and intimidating a campus like IU can feel as a student, and I want to be sure to offer the best customer service and resources I can. Every now and then, I encounter a student who says something along the lines of ‘thanks for actually caring about me.’ I love being able to represent IU and the Office of Student Life as a source of care and support for students.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“Don’t be afraid to explore areas outside your comfort zone! Most people become aware of our field by working in Residence Life or orientation programs as undergraduate students. Approach your career plans with an open mind and heart to see other areas of Student Affairs you may be perfect for!”
Josh Downing
Recreational Sports
Josh Downing is the Associate Director of Programming at Recreational Sports. Josh has worked at IU for five years total, and in the Student Affairs/Life field for 21 years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“Being a part of BU|BeWell, Butler University’s well-being initiative, was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Not only did it cross all areas of Student Life, but it also became part of the fabric of the entire university. It is considered a best practice in higher education.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“A mentor of mine gave me some very helpful advice that has stuck with me. They encouraged me to lean in with yes. Look for experiences and opportunities that will help broaden your knowledge and understanding within Student Life. Be open to try new things, step out of your comfort zone, join committees, etc. From your lens you bring great value to whatever it is you’re a part of. This has helped me grow in my career.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Network, network, network. Inside and outside your area. I have found so many wonderful colleagues along the way that have helped me in so many ways.”
Hank Walter
Indiana Memorial Union
Hank Walter is the Executive Director of the Indiana Memorial Union. Hank has worked at IU for eight years, and in the Student Affairs/Life field for 35 years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“In 2017, a Union Board student leader wanted to bring Octavia Spencer to campus to speak about her experience as a woman of color in entertainment. Union Board hadn’t done a successful major lecture in two or three years, and she had to do much of it herself. When there wasn’t money available in the budget, she asked Union Board to give her three weeks to raise the funds. A few of us helped coach her on what departments to ask for co-sponsorship funds and how. On the day she had to report back to Union Board, she was really sad because she hadn’t been able to come up with the funds, and then about an hour before the meeting/deadline, Vice Provost Reesor agreed to cover the shortfall and it all came together. The lecture was excellent.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
- “Your motivation has to come from working with students and making things better for them. If it’s about anything else, you will get worn down.”
- “Students have to know that you care and that you will walk the talk. They don’t expect you to be perfect, but they won’t trust you without both of those things.”
- “The most important thing is to keep moving forward. Institutional change is slow, and part of the reason universities have survived for centuries is that they don’t change quickly or a lot. You may not get all the way to where you want to be on the first try, but you are not limited to one try. Just keep moving forward.”
Suzanne Allen
IU Corps
Suzanne Allen is the Director of IU Corps. Suzanne has worked at IU for four and a half years, and in the Student Affairs/Life field for two months.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“My office very recently joined with the Office of Student Life in August 2023. From the beginning, I was welcomed with open arms by staff members from other departments within Student Life. I love the energy and enthusiasm of working with students and connecting them to community partners and volunteer opportunities.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“The field of Student Affairs offers a lot of opportunity for personal and professional growth in a variety of areas. I would encourage anyone to look into a career in this field.”
Luciana Guardini
Counseling and Psychological Services
Luciana Guardini is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Outreach Coordinator for Counseling and Psychological Services. Luciana has worked at IU for eight years, and in the Student Affairs/Life field for 11 years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Affairs/Life?
“I am a therapist at CAPS and I work with many Latine students, first generation college students, children of immigrant parents, and international students. In my role as a counselor, I assist student who are struggling with mental health symptoms that affect their academic performance, which very often jeopardize their ability to stay in college and get a degree. Moreover, as a therapist, I assist students in healing from difficult and traumatic situations they have experienced. It is hard to identify one specific moment or story that sticks out because I have had the privilege to witness countless stories of recovery, resilience, and growth. Every student that graduates is a success story. Asking for help is difficult, and the impact of stigma and fear of being judged is hard to navigate when you are suffering. For that reason, every student that comes to the center or a CAPS-embedded office and seeks help is a success story. I am very thankful to the students who share their struggles and successes with me. This is very inspiring and motivates me to continue being there for students, with joy and enthusiasm, by supporting and connecting them with resources on campus that will give them the tools to grow while they are working towards their degrees.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Affairs/Life?
“My advice to those who are looking to work in Student Affairs is to join us! Bring your training, commitment, professionalism, and compassion to support students and make a difference! Working in Student Life is very meaningful to me not only because I work with students every day, but also because I am part of a wonderful team. I appreciate being part of the CAPS and the Student Health Center team, they are wholehearted professionals that care deeply about each other and about the students that we serve. As a CAPS Outreach Coordinator, I have had the opportunity and privilege to connect with other departments on campus, building strong collaborations beyond the Student Health Center. In my experience, working and collaborating with Student Life and campus colleagues is rewarding and adds positive experiences to my professional life. As challenging and, at times hectic, as our daily work is, I strongly believe that the support Student Affairs offers to our campus community matters.”
Stay tuned all throughout October for more staff spotlights!
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