Shane Thomas, academic adviser, is a new employee this semester on campus.
Once a personal trainer, Thomas has applied the life-skills advice he gives students on a daily basis to his own life.
“Consistency and a positive attitude will get you very far in life,” Thomas said.
With a bachelor’s degree in general studies from IU Southeast and a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Louisville, Thomas said he decided to return to IU Southeast as an academic adviser to make college a better place for students.
Mandy Bibee and Jane Spitznagel, academic advisers, said they both agree Thomas is a nice man.
“He wants students to succeed and will do everything in his power to get students to where they need to be,” Spitznagel said.
Bibee said she has known Thomas since 2009.
“He is committed to the job and gets along well with students,” Bibee said.
Thomas said he is determined to get students on the right path. He also said he is aware of how important an adviser can be to an undecided student.
Thomas said he has always wanted to be an adviser because he enjoys helping people. He said he hopes to grow and learn as an academic adviser.
“The goals of the advisers are to set the student up with a game plan, show the student specific guidelines and find out the students strengths and interests,” Thomas said.
Thomas also stressed how important it is for students to meet with their academic advisers and students should not be afraid to ask for help.
He also said he advises students to relax when deciding what classes to take.
“It is unnecessary for students to feel overwhelmed because they are not alone,” he said. “Don’t let it stress you out.”
When Thomas is not mentoring students and helping them decide on a career path, he is playing his guitar and singing classic rock and R&B music, which are his favorite styles of music.
He also plays the piano and said his future goal is to hit a high C while singing.
Thomas said he feels students should stay true to themselves and to do what they love doing.
“Enjoy the process,” Thomas said. “It is a learning experience.”
By PAIGE DRURY
Staff
pmdrury@ius.edu