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Adrienne Maxwell, M.A., MBA Gamma Chi - Ball State University
Associate Director, Student Success, The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
I went to college knowing I wanted to help people, and while there, I discovered my passion for higher education and student affairs. This led to the development of my professional aspirations by being a member of Delta Zeta. As an undergraduate at Ball State University I majored in speech pathology, so when I joined Delta Zeta in my first year, I felt extremely connected to the philanthropic efforts of our organization. However, as my undergraduate years flew by (no one prepares you for how fast those go), I realized I felt the most invigorated by my leadership experiences that were happening outside of the classroom through Delta Zeta, Panhellenic Council, Admissions, Orientation, Housing and the Career Center. I chose to pivot my original career goals by applying to be an Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) for Delta Zeta. While traveling as an ELC for two years, I was given the opportunity to visit more than 40 institutions, which solidified my interest in higher education and helped me fall in love with the energy that is present on college campuses. After attending the University of Iowa for graduate school, I knew I wanted to explore professional roles that combined academic affairs and student affairs, so I applied for academic advising roles that also focused on holistic student success and academic support. And as they say, the rest is history!
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
Two of my most invaluable mentors are Danielle Martinez (Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority Inc.) and Stephanie Preschel (Alpha Xi Delta). Danielle and Stephanie were my co-supervisors in graduate school and it was through their constant support and meaningful challenges that I am the professional I am today. They taught me the importance of advocacy in my words, my actions, as well as in the policies and procedures I enforce professionally. Danielle and Stephanie taught me how to create a healthy blend in my personal and professional life through boundaries and clear communication that avoids the unbalance often seen between a career and personal life. Danielle and Stephanie showed me the meaning of lifelong membership and connection within the greater sorority community as the three of us are members of different organizations.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
My undergraduate experience is where I first discovered my passion for higher education. Although looking back, I know I loved the experiences I was having outside of the classroom and never really considered higher educations as a professional opportunity until I started learning more about the professionals around me. From our campus advisors and graduate assistants supporting Greek Life to my supervisors in the career center and orientation, I was surrounded by higher education and student affair professionals without realizing it. It is easy to say I would not be where I am today without my undergraduate experience in the Gamma Chi Chapter, my various meaningful campus leadership roles, and the people I met at Ball State University. Becoming an Educational Leadership Consultant after graduation helped me explore college campuses across the country which shaped my interest in pursuing higher education professionally. In graduate school, my assistantship was not in Greek Life, which allowed me to fully explore the depth of opportunities in the field of higher education and student affairs. However, through all phases of my professional journey it has been the power of community with active members, alumnae and other higher education professionals who have helped me build connections that have lasted from my time at Ball State to now.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I will always want to incorporate generosity into my leadership style and professional endeavors by being generous with my time, talent and treasures whenever possible. Working in higher education, the treasures can be somewhat limited at times – especially in public education – so I would envision that I would continue to be generous with my time and talent in the future. This means volunteering across campus and in my professional organization, engaging in work groups to address policy inequities, and advocating for what is right both locally and nationally.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
My community is why I am the professional I am today. This community is built of family, friends, professionals and students I have met throughout my time in Delta Zeta. I have been lucky to maintain relationships with chapter sisters, women I met through my time at Panhellenic, and people I met through experiences such as President’s Academy and AFLV. However, if I had to pick one Delta Zeta sister that has been behind me every step of the way it would be Megan (Severson) Christensen. We met as ELCs in 2015 and I would literally not be where I am professionally without her in my life, as she was the one who originally suggested I apply to the University of Iowa for graduate school. By chance (or maybe it was a little Alfa and the girls’ magic) we were paired together to work with a new chapter in Cleveland, which is where Megan quickly filled a Megan-shaped void I never knew existed. It is rare to have a new friend who simultaneously feels like an old friend, but that is what I have with her – although now 10 years later we are probably closer to old friends than new. She has been my most steadfast supporter, my loudest cheerleader, my understanding confidant, and my challenger when needed. Megan inspires me every day and I am lucky to have her next to me on every step of my career journey.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
To me, empowerment means to be confident in yourself, your beliefs and your abilities. Over the years, I have met many people who empowered me to trust my instincts, to take chances, and to build connections along the way. Throughout my professional journey, I have met many students who were looking for that one meaningful experience on campus where they felt inspired, connected and like they belonged. I remember finding that in Delta Zeta as an undergraduate student and continuing to find it through the various professional experiences that have come since. In my role, I strive to provide a space for my students and supervisees to be heard, empowered, informed and connected. My hope is my students feel empowered to explore opportunities that enrich their holistic collegiate experience, facilitate their personal development and support their educational or career goals. I hope my supervisees feel empowered to show up to work as their whole self and know they have someone supporting them through the ups and downs higher education can bring. In my personal life, I have consistently focused on empowering others to be engaged and informed on issues that are impacting our communities.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
A sense of belonging is one of humanity’s most basic needs. And in our world today, creating an environment of belonging for others is beyond important. However, true belonging comes from a feeling of security and support that can be difficult to quantify or recreate as it is different for each person. So for me, I create an environment of belonging by prioritizing inclusion and authenticity in my words, actions and physical spaces.