The ATA welcomes Ryan Mitchell to the WSU advising community. While Ryan is new to advising, he is not new to WSU. Read below to learn more about Ryan, his background and interests.
ATA: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it relates to your current position.
RM: I finished my BA at WSU with a major in communication studies, and then immediately went on to complete a master’s degree in mass communications at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. My education has deepened my understanding of how to communicate with various audiences and through a variety of vehicles. It also helps me better understand the human condition. Serving as an academic advisor also allows me the opportunity to continue to pursue a PhD in the Communications program.
ATA: Can you please tell us a little bit about your student affairs background before joining WSU?
RM: I finished my undergraduate degree at WSU in 2013 and then worked in residence life and college student housing for five years after that, inclusive of graduate school. I served more than three years as an academic services officer at WSU from 2018-2021, before taking a leave to handle other responsibilities, and am thrilled to be back in a new role as an academic advisor.
ATA: When you are not advising, what are some things you like to do for fun?
RM: I love to workout and be physically active as much as possible. I also try to attend concerts, festivals, and live music performances. Other hobbies include video games, staying updated with national news and politics, and spending time with friends/family. I have two cats that also like to be entertained while I’m watching TV or movies.
ATA: Any interesting or fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
RM: I have seen more than 400 live music and concert performances. I also lived in all of the “Great Lakes” states except for Wisconsin! Additionally, I have a deep fascination with all things related to cosmology, understanding the universe, and the origins of biological organisms.