Q&A with Michelle Soupir, interim associate dean of the Graduate College

Michelle Soupir joined the Graduate College as interim associate dean in 2022. Her main focus is an initiative to enhance and modernize Graduate College operations. Soupir has also served as associate chair for research and extension in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State and has been an Iowa State faculty member since 2008. She answered a few questions about her role in the Graduate College and goals for her position.

Soupir

What have you enjoyed the most so far about your associate dean role with the Graduate College?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with graduate education and make new connections more broadly across campus.

What does working to improve the Graduate College’s operations involve?
We are looking at processes both internally and externally to better support students as they navigate standard and unique situations. We also hope to increase our communication and engagement with units across the university.

What do you see as the Graduate College’s most significant strengths?
The staff in the Graduate College are incredible individuals who are passionate about graduate education and supporting our students.

What are your biggest priorities in the Graduate College for 2023?
We are working hard to ensure the WorkCyte Phase II project is a smooth transition for students, staff, and faculty across campus. 

Who have your biggest mentors been throughout your education and career?
I am extremely thankful for the various mentors that I have had throughout my career. Early in my career, my mentors helped me navigate the university and establish a research program. In my previous role as Equity Advisor for the College of Engineering I had wonderful mentors and advocates in both COE and Provost’s office. Through that experience I was connected with a leadership program called Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES), where I found strong mentors from outside ISU who worked in administration and helped prepare me for the work I am doing in the Graduate College.

What is the best advice you received as a graduate student?
At my proposal defense (about three-quarters of the way through my program), my committee had me remove an objective so that my thesis had a less expansive scope. I was disappointed at the time but in hindsight it served me well. I’ve learned that sometimes doing less, but doing it really well is better.

Share a fun fact about yourself.
I enjoy hiking in National Parks.