‘More than just a workplace’: Advocacy, personal growth drive associate dean of students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Isabelle Akins has had many calls with students, but one stands out.

Akins noticed a ship in the background of the video call. During the conversation, the student shared that it was 3 a.m. where he was stationed overseas with the U.S. Navy, while it was midafternoon at Akins’ office.

“He showed up prepared, professional and fully engaged,” she said. “I have always known our service members and veterans to be some of the most dedicated students we have at Purdue Global, but that moment genuinely stayed with me.”

Akins, who serves as assistant dean of students for Purdue Global’s School of Business and Information Technology, is driven by the mission of advocating for students and helping working adults advance their career goals.

Simple beginnings turn into supporting students

A friend encouraged Akins to apply for a position at Purdue Global. After starting as an advisor in January 2008, she was promoted to advising manager before accepting a role as an administrator in 2015.

“That opportunity ended up changing the trajectory of my career in ways I couldn’t have anticipated at the time,” she said.

And having earned her master’s degree in leadership from the university, she has experienced firsthand what some of her students face in balancing family, work and school. This helps her better connect with students. 

“Over time, this became more than just a workplace. It’s a place where I’ve grown, been supported and been able to support our students in meaningful ways,” Akins said. “I believe in the work we do, and I believe in our students.”

Connecting alumni and students

Akins’ responsibilities as assistant dean of students are diverse. One minute, she can be found working with students or department chairs and, in the next, talking with alumni who want to mentor students. 

“When I take the time to connect with students, understand their circumstances and meet them where they are, those moments become some of the most meaningful parts of my work,” she said.

Two of her latest projects include chairing the school’s Alumni Connections Steering Committee and working with the Purdue for Life Foundation on an alumni volunteerism initiative. The initiative’s goals include creating more intentional ways to keep alumni connected through mentorship opportunities, participation in advisory committees and other forms of giving back.

“Seeing our alumni return and pour into the students is one of the most rewarding parts of this work,” Akins said. “Our goal is to build a strong sense of community within the school, one where alumni stay connected long after they graduate.”

Her goals for the upcoming year include strengthening alumni networks and student opportunities while improving the student experience and strengthening collaboration across teams.

Akins also serves as an instructor. Teaching allows her to build relationships with students and see firsthand the impact of student success and the students’ personal and professional transformations. Akins leans into her personal experience balancing family, life, work and school, all while encouraging students. 

“Many of my students come in excited to be back in school, but at the same time, they are also nervous,” she said. “Watching students push through those doubts and realize they’re capable of succeeding is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. It gives me the opportunity to witness their growth in a different way.”