Kelly Atkins
(618) 650-3701
kelatki@siue.edu
Education
Master of Social Work, Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville
Professional Background
How long have you been doing what you do?
I started in the Office of Academic Advising July 2019 as the Assistant Director for Transition Services.
How long have you been at SIUE?
I have worked at SIUE since August 2002.
How did you get here?
I started at SIUE in 1997 as an incoming freshman. Upon completing both my undergrad and graduate degrees at SIUE, I was hired as an academic adviser in the School of Education Health & Human Behavior. I served in that office for 14 years as an expert skilled adviser. An opportunity for growth and advancement presented itself at a different University to which I accepted the offer. However, the fit was never quite right. SIUE is home for me and I wanted to return! So after working there 2 years I returned to SIUE. Needless to say the rest is history! I am serving at a institution I love, assisting a student body population that I am passionate about, life is good!
What are you known for professionally? What do you have a knack for?
Professionally I am known for building authentic relationships with students and campus partners. I am a people person and I love to meet/ engage/ interact/ and foster relationships that lead to teamwork and student success.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Student Success! The best part of working in Higher Education is the evolution of the student. You see an incoming first-year student that is lost, confused, and in need of advice. Over the next few years, you build a relationship with that student which allows you to mentor, advise, counsel, and help navigate both academic and personal obstacles. In the end, to see that same student transition from adolescence to adulthood and complete their degree is mind blowing!
What do you love most about working at SIUE?
The faculty, staff, and students! The support you receive from colleagues is amazing and the ability to engage and impact student life is an honor.
What are your primary duties in your current position?
In my current role, my primary duties consist of developing & implementing programming that assist our transfer student population in their transition to SIUE. I serve on several university committees where transfer student success is the primary focus. In addition, I supervise a team of phenomenal advising experts that assist students with exploring their academic major options.
Personal Information
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
When I am not working you can find me at the movie theaters or at a skating rink. I am a horror film fanatic and I love roller skating!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in St. Louis, MO. Specifically the Bridgeton area. An alum of Ritenour High School, I am a St. Louis girl through and through.
