Academic and Career Development

University College

Phone:

317-278-8630

Email:

mechaill@iupui.edu

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Department:

Academic and Career Development

Campus:

IUPUI

Education:

• Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), University of Texas-Austin
• Bachelor of Arts (majors: Psychology and Law and Society), Purdue University
• Completed freshman year at the University of Evansville, intending pre-physical therapy, then changed to psychology

Professional Experience:

• How long in ACD: I began working as a student success advisor in ACD in 2015.
• What do you like about the work you do: I enjoy helping students identify and use their strengths to navigate challenges in life that impact their success in college. I also appreciate that the staff in my office are such a fun group of people to work with every day. 
• Past jobs/experiences: In the past, I worked as a summer camp counselor and program coordinator, and I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector and as a school social worker serving children and families. Prior to working at IUPUI, I worked as an academic advisor and adjunct faculty member at IUPUC.

Advice to students: Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength. If Google, Siri, or Alexa can’t find an answer to a question for you, our office probably can, so don’t ever be afraid to ask for help!

If you could be any major in your cluster, what would it be? Why?: Exploratory—so I could take a variety of classes that would help me explore my interests before choosing a major.

Biography: I grew up in Anderson, Indiana, and I now live on the southeast side of Indianapolis with my husband, son, and daughter. Outside of work, I spend time playing with my family, volunteering at PTO events at my kiddos’ school, and serving as a board member for the summer camp I worked at through my college years. I love sitting by a campfire, gardening, being outside in general, water sports of all kinds, reading, board games, and DIY/crafty projects.