Carlene Quirk

Carlene does a fantastic job at the front desk and is a great example of how leadership comes in many forms. The number of tasks she can handle is always impressive, especially during our peak advising times. She expertly fields a wide array of questions from our students, parents, and staff. She directs students during check in, coordinates our student workers, handles phone calls, and gets us anything we need – from a spoon for lunch to folders for a filing cabinet. She always greets students when they arrive and wishes them well as they leave. Carlene is a vital member of the staff and our ability to function smoothly. Without her, the office would not be the same. 

Colbye Skeens

Colbye has been with us as a front desk student worker this school year. She does a great job providing Carlene Quirk with much needed assistance, especially during our peak times. Colbye is always incredibly friendly to the staff and students. She learned our procedures quickly and is able to help educate FYE students on those procedures should they have questions or concerns when they come into the office. Colbye helps keep things running smoothly at the front desk and we are grateful for her assistance.

Laurie Snyder

Laurie shows genuine concern for her students’ well-being while guiding them on their educational path. We often see her go above and beyond when it comes to addressing her students’ needs. As many students come to Purdue from significant distances, having an advisor like Laurie is surely a great source of comfort to them. She’s a willing mentor and source of guidance for other staff as well. Laurie’s door is always open for us and she will frequently pop her head into our offices to say hello and see how we are doing. Those little things make all the difference. We are so grateful for all she does and enjoy working with her in FYE.  

Tracy Thoennes

Tracy has only been with us for about 6 months, but she has already demonstrated her commitment to the students she advises. Tracy gets to know her students, talking with them about where they are from and what their interests are. She makes them feel welcome rather than just diving into advising business. As a result, Tracy’s students feel comfortable coming in to see her to discuss a variety of concerns. She truly listens to them, rather than talking at them. Tracy has not been afraid to ask questions as needed as she has learned the ropes of advising, and it has been wonderful to have her on staff and see her grow into her role in FYE.

Caryn Morgan

Caryn has only been with us for about 6 months, but she’s already learned so much about Purdue’s campus and adapted quickly to FYE advising. Caryn might have the best campus sense of direction of all our staff! Caryn’s past advising experience is apparent, and her confidence helps reassure students that the recommendations she provides them are accurate and in their best interests. The warm, welcoming manner in which she always greets her students is refreshing. She is actively involved with PACADA to better herself as an advisor and help out with campus needs. In addition, Caryn always has time for her fellow advisors. She’s been a wonderful addition to the FYE staff.

Kelly Wrede

Kelly has a wealth of experience at Purdue University and uses that to not only advise her students, but also mentor fellow advisors. She actively seeks out professional development through NACADA, PACADA and other means to be better prepared to meet the needs of her students. Kelly goes above and beyond the traditional advising role in order to best assist her students. Her experience on campus gives her a wide perspective and she uses that when working with her students. Kelly also never hesitates to go the extra mile for her fellow advisors when helping with a question or concern. Kelly’s knowledge and kindness is a great help to all of us in FYE.

Billi Jennings

Billi leads our staff with professionalism and compassion. She not only has helped guide our advising, but she has taken an interest in our lives outside of the office. She’s an advocate for First-Year Engineering and the work we do with our students. Billi’s door is always open to us and she fields a wide variety of questions from her staff when trying to figure out unique advising situations. Our input has value to Billi, and she’s a huge reason why the FYE program runs as smoothly as it does. On top of all she does for us, she has also continued to advise students on top of her heavy workload as the FYE director. This speaks volumes of Billi and reflects our FYE mission as a student-oriented program. Billi is a wonderful leader. Her dedication to her staff and the students we all advise is second to none.

From your friends and colleagues in FYE Advising – 

Sam Cho, Jeff Myers, Curt Oechsle, Stephen Smith, and Nate Thomas