One of the newer staff members at Kelley Indy, Justin Eitniear is the student services coordinator. Learn how the 2016 IUPUI alum is developing a passion for higher ed, and learn- once and for all - how to pronounce his last name.
Q: Where were you before you joined Kelley in February?
Justin: During school I worked in the undergraduate Office of Student Involvement and Office of International Affairs. After I graduated last year (with a communications degree), I discovered a passion for working in higher education student affairs, which that led me to a position in IU admissions. I was there for about a year before I found this opportunity at Kelley and thought it’d be perfect for how I wanted to develop my career. Kelley is renowned across the world and working alongside such great staff and faculty is a great opportunity to learn and grow in this field.
Q: What do you do as the student services coordinator?
Justin: I’m the main contact for the Kelley undergraduate office. I’m at the front desk in our office, providing undergraduate program support – coordinating student interactive room space, managing contracts, policies, and I’m a co-advisor for Kelley student government with Eric Raider, working with the financials of student government and funding their projects. I recently launched the Team Kelley Mentoring Program, which provides support and guidance socially, academically and professionally to Kelley freshmen. My program serves 14 upperclassmen, Kelley mentors and 42 student mentees.
Q: What's the best part about your job?
Justin: The aspect I enjoy the most is that I get to have multiple face-to-face interactions with students every single day. That’s why I transitioned into this position from admissions, because I could trade time in front of a computer for personal interactions with these students. It’s a very meaningful aspect of my job.
Q: How do you pronounce your last name? Do people often get it wrong?
Justin: Eitniear has Germanic roots, it’s pronounced “AIGHT-nuhr”. Lot of vowels in there but only two syllables. People usually get tripped up on that – pronunciation can be a struggle.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of Kelley?
Justin: I really enjoy the Indianapolis community. I went to school here just a year ago so I have several friends living and working in the community. I also enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking, kayaking and canoeing. I just recently adopted a dog—an Australian cattle dog mix named Rookie—so I’m getting to explore the community of Indy with a dog, which is different. It’s kind of like being a parent - you have this whole new responsibility. That keeps me busy. We are always on an adventure.