Leadership Spotlight: Kelley Stier

Each month WISA will showcase individuals on the WISA Leadership Team to allow members to get to know the women in executive positions in both a personal and professional capacity.

This spotlight will focus on Kelley Stier, the Co-Chair of the Women in Student Affairs Knowledge Community. Kelley works full time as the Associate Dean of Students at Purdue University.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to move into a position similar to yours?

For someone seeking a position in a Dean of Students unit, my advice would be that there is not one traditional path that one must follow. My path included experiences in residence life, academic student services, and student activities - all of which led me to my desired area of focus. Speaking your narrative and what unique experiences and perspectives that you bring from your various roles will be the most important piece if you aspire to serve in a Dean of Students unit capacity. Only you can be YOU and bring unique and important aspects to supporting and serving students in higher education!

What experience has made the largest impact on you as a professional?

In the beginning of my career, I spent five years in residence life, and I still look back at many of the relationships I built with student staff as well as assisting students through crisis situations as some of the most impactful moments of my career. From the opportunity to grow alongside student leaders, to supporting students through difficult and life-changing situations they encountered in college, truly helps me to reflect on and understand the impact Student Affairs professionals make on the lives of leaders of our future.

If you were to do something other than work in Student Affairs, what would it be?

I have so many! My "dream job" would be to be a host on The Today Show! I also hold a great passion for mental health counseling and often consider moving forward to become trained in this area. I am also fascinated by all things law and crime related.

We hope you've enjoyed getting to know more about Kelley Stier! If you have a question for Kelley regarding anything she mentioned above or her role on the WISA Leadership Team, please contact her directly at [email protected].