Every month, the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State University community to connect. This month, readers get to know Char-Michelle McDowell ’00, academic advisor in University College.
Job duties: It’s my job to give academic advice, course/resource recommendations, and overall guidance to students. I assist with retention initiatives by performing student outreach. I also monitor student progress to assist them with being academically proactive.
How long have you been an employee at ISU? This is my second year at ISU. Prior to ISU, I worked at State Farm for 14 years as a systems support specialist team lead in the Enterprise Technology department.
What do you love most about working at ISU? I love being able to work with students and helping them achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. I mainly work with first-year students, and I have the pleasure of guiding them, giving advice, and seeing their “aha” moments. I also love working alongside my co-workers. We help and encourage one another.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise people? I’m an author of two books. My inaugural book is called Just B.E.E. IT! It speaks not just to the value of discovering purpose but also answers the question, “What do you do after you discover it?” I provide four steps. My second book is called, Building Me While Building It. This book is an anthology project in which I write on the topic of confidence. Both books can be found on Amazon!
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing? I am most likely helping others or traveling and speaking on various platforms. I love the movies and hanging out with family and friends.
What is your favorite spot on campus? If I had to choose a favorite spot on campus, it would be the Bone Student Center. I graduated from ISU in May 2000, and seeing the contemporary look and feel of the center now is so refreshing. It’s a vibrant space for students and staff to study, hang out, eat lunch, and use resources.
What quote most inspires you? Why? “Be yourself; everyone else is taken” (Oscar Wilde). This is one quote that I live by because I realize that I don’t have to fit in to be accepted. Everyone needs community, and over the years, I have become comfortable with being me and not feeling the pressure of imitating others. I often say that my difference makes the difference, and that is where I thrive!
