Welcome to Part 3 of our ongoing series celebrating October as Careers in Student Affairs Month! (Be sure to read Part 1 and Part 2 too!) All month, we are highlighting staff members from different teams and departments. 

Heather Bowns

Bradford Woods 

Heather is assistant director of recreation therapy at Bradford Woods, and she has worked at IU for one year. 

What drew you to this field?
It was the chance to be part of a larger community at IU and to connect with Hoosiers across Indiana. Bradford Woods has such a strong reputation statewide, and I constantly meet people who have been impacted by the work we do, whether through our recreational therapy summer camps, environmental education programs, team-building activities, or even just renting space on our property. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
Every single day at camp at Bradford Woods, we celebrate successes—no matter how big or small. For one camper, that success might be holding a paintbrush for the very first time, while for another it could be climbing our 50-foot Tango Tower for the fifth time that day. These moments aren’t just victories for the campers; they also remind our staff and myself to slow down, appreciate the small wins in our own lives, and stay present in every moment. Moments like these are exactly why I love working in Student Life, because I get to witness growth, celebrate achievements, and be part of experiences that truly make a difference in people’s lives. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
My advice is to be adaptable and never lose passion for what you do. Every day looks a bit different, and you never know what opportunities (or challenges) may come your way. Passion is what keeps you grounded through the hard days and makes the rewarding moments even more meaningful. 

Ryann Siefers Magness 

Center for Veteran and Military Students 

Ryann has worked at IU for 3.5 years and currently serves as senior assistant director of operations and outreach at the Center for Veteran and Military Students. 

What drew you to this field?
When I was studying anthropology at IU, I used the military education benefits specific to military dependents, which were my father’s Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Indiana Tuition and Fee Exemption for Children of Disabled Veterans.  

In my current role, I can use my experience connecting with people from different backgrounds, digging into policy analysis, and advocating for meaningful changes. Supporting students is not the only part of this field that I enjoy. Through IU events and conversations, I discover more pockets of staff and campus partners who are doing similar work in advocating for students and cultivating collaboration.  

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
Many of our students are dependents, such as myself, who are secondary recipients of information about the military education benefits their parents/guardians earned through service and/or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability. Empowered by this, I continue to work as an advocate for those students by spreading awareness about the hoops students jump through to receive this funding and host outreach events where students can connect with other dependents to share experiences, get our help, and forge bonds. The intersection between my identity as a veteran dependent who used the Indiana Tuition Remission for Children of Disabled Veterans and my role as a staff member on the CVMS team allowed me to reflect on how my needs and experiences can directly fuel my efforts to create better policies and processes within higher education. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Whatever your background, education, or professional experience, you would be an asset to a student affairs team. If you question whether your experience would slot in well with our teams, like I did, I encourage you to give it a try. I have learned and grown in this field as a professional and a person. 

Cass Holden

Human Resources 

Cass is an HR business partner and has worked at IU for one year.  

What drew you to this field?
I love helping people as an HR professional, and I love working at an institution of higher education. When there was an opportunity to marry those two passions by working in human resources with a department directly supporting our students, I was very excited. I have the privilege of supporting the people who support our students every day. Every day I get to talk to potential new colleagues about the incredible work that is already being done and learn about the passion they would bring to IU. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
When I first started in higher education, I worked in a student-facing position, helping students make financial plans that would allow them to continue to pursue their educational goals. So many of those students have gone on to do amazing things, but I think about one who is a current Ph.D. candidate. It is such an honor to watch her continue pursuing and achieving her goals. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?
This job is incredibly fulfilling and is always changing. If you are a lifelong learner and passionate about helping people, it is a wonderful career path. I would encourage people to speak with those already practicing HR to learn about the day-to-day work and what specialty areas exist within the HR profession.
 

Nalini Krishnan

LGBTQ+ Culture Center 

Nalini is the interim program coordinator at the LGBTQ+ Culture center and has worked there for less than a year. 

What drew you to this field?
I was drawn to student affairs because I’ve always believed that care and community can transform people’s lives. I first experienced this through queer and trans networks of support that sustained me when I needed it most. What excites me about this field is the chance to take that spirit and translate it into programs, mentorship, and structures that are backed by the institution. For me, student affairs is about turning values like mutual support and resilience into concrete opportunities and resources that help students succeed. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
One formative experience for me was helping organize a statewide LGBTQ+ student conference during my time at IU. Students arrived carrying uncertainty and sometimes isolation, but left with new networks, mentors, and a stronger sense of connection. Watching that transformation unfold showed me how powerful it is to create spaces where students feel part of something larger than themselves. That lesson has stayed with me in my professional role at the LGBTQ+ Culture Center. I carry the same commitment into the programs I design now, always with the goal of helping students leave more connected and supported than when they walked in. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?
Since I’m still early in my career, my advice comes more from what I’m learning than from long experience. One thing I’ve noticed is how important it is to value both the visible and the behind-the-scenes work. The big events are exciting, but I’ve found that everyday moments like mentoring a student, checking in consistently, or designing systems that make support sustainable can matter just as much. I’m still learning how to balance those pieces, but I think that willingness to keep growing alongside students is part of what makes this work meaningful. 

Tracy Goodman

Indiana Memorial Union 

Tracy has been associate director of the IMU since May 2025. 

What drew you to this field?
Like many of my colleagues, my path into student affairs began with my own involvement as an undergraduate student. I attended Central Michigan University and majored in speech-language pathology—a field I truly loved. During my junior year, I began seriously exploring what professional setting and age group I wanted to work with: children, adults, seniors? In schools, hospitals, or private practice?  

As a part of my program’s required practica, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. Most of my early experiences were with children under three years old. For my final semester, I requested an adult client and was paired with a fellow college student. That experience turned out to be a turning point. I absolutely loved working with my client and enjoyed the format of our sessions compared to working with small children.  

Although I had not yet decided which graduate program to pursue, I began to explore opportunities that would allow me more time to decide my next steps. After graduation, I accepted a position with my sorority’s national organization, which involved visiting campuses and connecting with our chapters and student affairs professionals. Those conversations and campus visits solidified my interest in the field. My graduate school search led me to Indiana University Bloomington and the Higher Education and Student Affairs program. During my program, I held an assistantship in the IMU with Union Board, and internships in Student Activities, as a live-in chapter advisor, and at Association of College Unions International (ACUI). I also had a summer internship at the Student Center at Georgia Tech. All of these were impactful experiences, but when I walked through the doors of the IMU and began learning from the team and seeing the partnership between the student staff, I knew working in college unions was for me! 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
When I reflect on my career, it’s nearly impossible to point to one moment. Instead, I see a collage of experiences—welcome weeks, student-led events, graduations, classes taught and countless everyday interactions. I remember the faces of students I’ve advised, the graduate assistants I’ve worked with, and the incredible teams I’ve been part of—as well as those who mentored me. It’s not a single story, but how those moments are sewn together, like a quilt I wish I had the skill to make! Is it about the students we serve? Absolutely. They’re the “why.” But it’s also about the exceptional colleagues I’ve been fortunate to work with—talented, engaged, empathetic, and committed to working toward shared goals.  

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Explore. Shadow professionals. Ask questions. Say yes to opportunities, even if you’re not sure where they’ll lead. This work is meaningful, dynamic, and rooted in community. If you’re curious about it, take the first step. You just might find your place here. 

Suzanne Allen

IU Corps 

Suzanne is director of IU Corps and has worked at IU for six years. 

What drew you to this field?
I enjoy seeing students learn through experiences beyond the classroom. It’s inspiring to watch them overcome challenges and develop skills in leadership, community building, problem-solving, and collaboration. Supporting their growth is what makes this work meaningful to me. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
One of the most rewarding moments in my career was supporting the student advisory board that founded the Volunteer Corps student organization. Through guidance and hands-on experiences, they strengthened their leadership skills, built strong relationships with community partners, and eventually led the first IU Little Day of Service. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
You learn as much from the students as they do from you, and the difference you make in their lives is what makes this work meaningful. 

Annie Willis  

Dean of Students Office 

Annie serves as associate director for care and advocacy in the Dean of Students Office and has worked at IU for 43 years. 

What drew you to this field?
My interest started during my undergraduate education at State University of New York, Binghamton. I wanted to pursue a degree in the field and was advised to apply to IU Bloomington as some of the best-known practitioners taught there.  

I received a letter of admittance from Dr. Betty Greenleaf, chair of the School of Education, one of the nation’s leading pioneers in student affairs. She admitted me to two simultaneous master’s degree programs: Higher Education and Student Affairs and Counseling and Guidance Education.  

Upon Dr. Greenleaf’s passing away the summer prior to the start of my fall semester, Dr. Robert Shaeffer, the new chair for the School of Education (and another nationally recognized pioneer in higher education and student affairs), let me know that he would be my academic advisor. I owe my career to Dr. Greenleaf and Dr. Robert Shaeffer along with Dr. George Kuh, Dr. Phillip Chamberlain, Dr. Paul Munger, and other higher education pioneers who were at IU Bloomington during my graduate education. It was an amazing experience that I cherish and honor along with earning the degrees. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
I believe in students and their pursuit of a well-rounded college education. I believe in the people power of students and their desire to be acknowledged, seen, and heard as valued citizens in higher education/student life and that they contribute to the greater good of the university’s success of retaining and graduating students.  

Over the four decades of my service to students, countless students have told me that they did not think that they belonged or could complete a degree at IU. I would tell them that they could earn an IU degree. Students told me that they could sense that I believed in them and that I made them feel respected, welcomed, valued, and cared for without making any judgments or assumptions about them. Many students have adopted me as an aunt and have referred to me as their “IU Auntie Annie” and I have adopted them right back regardless of who they are. They are wonderful people to me who want to earn a college degree and know they are supported along the way. I love IU students and I love IU! 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Commit to the work by showing students that you care by being present, listening more than you speak, and being kind, considerate, and willing to learn from the students to better understand what they need. 

Don’t fear seeking out colleagues who could possibly better assist you in serving students in the best possible manner. Also, remember to rest yourself mentally and physically as needed so that you can be the best possible version of yourself for you and for the students. Being kind to yourself will benefit the students as well as yourself and others.  

Lastly, exercise your smile muscles so that they become so strong that they push away any attempted frown wrinkles from jumping on your lovely face. A lovely smile is a big hug to the students. Be thankful that you out of all the people in the universe get to be in the field of student life. 

Here at the IU Office of Student Life, we love when October rolls around because it is Careers in Student Affairs Month! To celebrate, we are highlighting staff members from different teams and departments. Learn more about each staff member and their Student Life journey by reading the spotlights below. 

Holly Anspaugh 

Student Legal Services 

Holly is a staff attorney at Student Legal Services, where she has worked for the past six years. 

What drew you to this field?
When I was a student at IU, I served as a resident assistant during my senior year and a practice group advisor during law school. I found that I was happiest when I was helping students navigate the challenges and triumphs of their collegiate experience. There’s something deeply rewarding about helping students build the tools they need to succeed—and seeing their growth along the way. After graduating from law school, I knew I wanted to use my legal education to make a difference in people’s lives. A career working for student clients was the perfect fit.  

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
Student Legal Services has a two-fold mission: to serve the legal needs of students and to provide a meaningful clinical experience for law students. This year, one of our graduating interns stopped by to say goodbye. He shared that his happiest memories from law school were spent in our office—helping fellow students and developing the practical skills essential to the legal profession. His experience with Student Legal Services inspired him to pursue a career working with students. It was a full-circle moment to witness an intern discover a passion for serving his peers and to choose to follow that path professionally.  

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field? 
Support the students you serve by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed—but also give them the space to try and sometimes fail. Trust in their potential and never underestimate their ability to grow and rise to a challenge.  

Adin Kawate

First Nations Educational and Cultural Center 

Adin is the native education and program coordinator at First Nations. She has been there for four years.  

What drew you to this field?
I found my role thanks to my friendship with former FNECC director Nicky Belle. I had already collaborated on a couple of events with the FNECC through my involvement with Indy Hula so when the position was available it seemed like a good fit—and it was! 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
The memory that stands out to me was our first Party for the Pasifika Celebration in March 2023. It was the first time that Pacific Islanders from all over the Midwest came together on this campus to celebrate who we are. It was also the culmination of a dream that the founding members of the Pacific Islander Student Association had for their time at IU. All who attended felt like it was the “thing” that we all didn’t know we needed. I realized then that creating space for every community on this campus was important work and something I wanted to keep doing. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?
Never accept the word “can’t” if you have a good idea. And make all the friends you can because there’s a lot of interesting and fun people all over the university.  

Hannah Anderson

Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy 

Hannah is a confidential victim advocate in the Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy and has been in this role for less than a year. 

What drew you to this field?  
Working with adult learners in diverse capacities has shown me the impact that support, guidance, and resources can have on a student’s personal, professional, and academic growth. What drew me to the field of Student Life is the opportunity to create environments where students feel empowered, supported, and equipped to succeed.

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life? 
In my role, I have the privilege of engaging with students in a variety of ways, including advocacy, tabling events, and presentations. While many aspects of this work are rewarding, I especially value meeting with students who want to learn more about our office’s mission. These conversations allow me to equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to support others and make a positive impact within their communities. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
If you are thinking about a career in Student Life, remember that every student you meet will have their own story, experiences, and needs. Approaching your work with openness, compassion, collaboration, and flexibility not only helps you support them more effectively but also makes the work deeply rewarding. 

Erika Araujo

21st Century Scholars Program 

Erika is the special projects coordinator for the 21st Century Scholars Program, and she’ll celebrate two years in November. 

What drew you to this field? 
As an IU Bloomington alum, I really wanted to give back. I was the first in my family to move away for college, and I had a wonderful yet challenging time as a student here. When the opportunity came to work with 21st Century Scholars, most of whom are first-generation and limited and low-income students, it felt like the perfect chance to do that.  

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
This spring, I had the opportunity to plan a visit to the Indiana Statehouse in collaboration with our partners at the Commission for Higher Education. Our students got the chance to see a live State Supreme Court case and a House of Representatives committee session, meet with lobbyists and representatives, tour the Statehouse, and visit the law library. For a lot of our Scholars, this trip opened their eyes to potential internships and jobs they didn’t know were possible. Being able to provide opportunities like this for our Scholars and hearing first-hand how much it means to them is why I enjoy working in Student Life. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
There is an exciting energy when it comes to working with students! Every day is different as students bring questions or challenges, and the best days are when they come to share good news. There is a lot of support in Student Life, and so many opportunities to connect with other departments and colleagues. My biggest advice is to listen to student needs, to embrace every opportunity, and to make the most of every day. 

Sai Sneha Paruchuri

Health Promotion 

Sneha is a sexual health education coordinator with Health Promotion. She started her career as a graduate assistant in the Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy and then transitioned to her full-time role in June 2025. 

What drew you to this field?  
I was an international student, and when I first saw the graduate assistant position, it immediately felt right for me. Back home in India, conversations about sexual health are often stigmatized, but I’ve always been passionate about raising awareness and creating safe spaces for students to learn and ask questions.  

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life?
One of the most rewarding experiences for me has been talking with students during our information sessions and events. Seeing them engage, ask questions, and leave with new knowledge is incredibly meaningful. I also enjoy organizing events that bring together multiple campus partners and watching students connect, learn, and feel empowered. It reminds me why I love this work. I believe that even if just one student benefits from what we share, it makes a real difference and can be the start of something bigger. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Sometimes it may not feel like you’re making a difference in the moment, but change often happens in small, unseen ways. Celebrate the small wins, believe in the work you do, and remember it’s okay to take breaks when you need them. Listen to students, collaborate with campus partners, and support one another. Building these connections and having even brief conversations with students can make a meaningful difference. 

Penny Dillon

Assessment, Research, and Impact 

Penny is director of the Office of Assessment, Research, and Impact. She has worked in Student Life for 14 years. 

What drew you to this field?  
I am an accidental Student Life professional. Around 2011 or 2012, the Dean of  Students Office was looking for a software/website administrator. I had a friend who was working in the office at the time who invited me to apply. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life? 
For me, the joy of working in Student Life is the variety of the work. Each year there is something new to explore or build or implement—all with the purpose of improving the student experience. The teams are always different, but the commitment to student success is always the same. When I look back, seeing the differences is exciting and inspiring. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Be curious. Curiosity leads to learning and learning leads to success. 

Christina Eads

Housing Operations and Assignments 

Christina is an assignment specialist in Housing Operations and Assignments who has worked at IU for 15 years. 

What drew you to this field?  
As an intercampus transfer student whose focus was secondary education here at Indiana University, I did not live in the residence halls and missed connections on campus that I might have had. I wanted to help students see why on-campus living is so beneficial, and at the same time give back to the university. I was hired by John Summerlot to oversee center desk operations at McNutt Quad, and he encouraged me to view life through a “higher education/student-centered lens.” He suggested taking part in higher education student affairs professional development activities. The more time I spent with the resident assistants and residents in the building, I knew I had found the place I could give back and capture those students.  

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life? 
In my current role, I meet students and families in many stages of their time at IU. The ones I enjoy the most are the incoming students with a long list of questions. One specific student was the first generation of her family to attend college. Her family had gathered every bit of money they had to send her to school to make her dream of higher education happen.  

The student and her family visited our office and shared their concerns, questions, and fears. I answered as many questions as I could and shared resources with them so they could connect with campus partners. After listening to all their concerns and their backstory, I talked with them about how to apply for housing, how to get involved in the community, and other avenues to stay in the residence halls beyond the first year.  

A year later, that family returned to the office, and detailed how well things were going. Before they left, both the mother and daughter mentioned the same thing: part of their success was knowing that their needs were being heard and that we made them feel comfortable. They felt safe talking with me. I am one part of a collective whole, but one person listening and guiding made all the difference.  

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Recognize that students are at the heart of what we do. When we become a safe place for them to live and grow, we are empowering them to continue their journey through higher education. Show up for them, every day, and encourage them to show up for themselves. Be invested in their success and show that investment. Your attention to their progress fosters growth in their self-confidence.  

Damen Morris

Student Life Communications and Marketing 

Damen is a senior graphic designer with Student Life Communications and Marketing who has worked at IU for 25 years. 

What drew you to this field?  
My goal is to bring my creativity to Student Life through impactful marketing efforts for the campus and community. I strive to create eye-catching designs and artwork that support the mission and dedication of each department. My aim is always to broaden the audience’s perspective and highlight the hard work happening within Student Life. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life? 
I enjoy makeovers that touch the heart, and one memorable example is the IMU’s “Heart of Campus” campaign. It’s a beloved campaign among parents, students, and the community. In fact, our pole banners around the building sometimes go missing—taken as keepsakes—because they’ve become part of meaningful memories at the heart of campus.  

The campaign was designed with a distinct IU-spirited look that reflects our campus culture and the essence of Student Life at the Indiana Memorial Union. It offers students a visual reminder of a place where they can find relief and relaxation from academic stress. The campaign is timeless. Semester after semester, it continues to remind the community that the IMU is both a destination and an inspiration—a place to take a break from studies, connect with friends, get involved, or enjoy campus activities. Ultimately, it encourages everyone not to give up on pursuing—or serving—the career of their dreams. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
To work in this field, one should be passionate, purposeful, and embody the IU spirit. The role involves helping the community discover the many resources Student Life offers. It requires a love for teamwork and a willingness to collaborate with individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Most importantly, it’s about bringing ideas to life to help students achieve their vision and goals. 

Nicole Motz

Student Health Center 

Nicole is an infection prevention nurse at the Student Health Center who has worked at IU for 11 years. 

What drew you to this field?  
Indiana University played such a vital role in inspiring me to be the person I am today, so when I moved back to Bloomington in my late 20s there was no other place I wanted to work. When I first came to Bloomington at 17, I lived in Wright Quad, which is right across the street from the Student Health Center, where I now work.  

Arriving in Bloomington marked the arrival of some horrible seasonal allergies, so I had many visits to the Health Center as a student. The staff seemed to understand how new and scary it was to access the health care system on your own for the first time, and they were kind and supportive. I always left feeling like I had gotten the best of care. The positive experiences here, and being on this gorgeous campus, are ultimately the things that drew me to working in the Office of Student Life. 

What’s one specific moment or story in your career that exemplifies why you enjoy working in Student Life? 
There are many moments in my career that come to mind, but I’ll share one that happened most recently. I was vaccinating students during a flu clinic when a familiar face came to my workstation. He had just gotten his flu shot and walked away, but he returned to ask me a question. He shared that he was currently studying in a major that did not feel like the right fit, and he was curious about choosing a path in health care. He wanted to know if we had any sort of volunteer or work opportunities for undergraduate students. Something about his experience at the Health Center had felt like it was in alignment with his interests, and he wanted to explore that further. The work I do at the flu clinics is extremely rewarding to me because I get to protect the health of students, but also because sometimes I get to see the same spark of inspiration and curiosity that I had here many years ago. 

What advice do you have for people thinking about working in this field?  
Follow the breadcrumbs, and your curiosity. Notice what you like about the shows you watch, the books you like to read, the classes you enjoy attending, and the conversations you find intriguing. Pay attention to what makes your eyes open a little wider and explore it deeper. Go toward the things that interest YOU rather than what other people tell you to be interested in.