The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, Univeristy of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is excited to welcome Mindy Kinney to the role of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs. Mindy is an Illinois native who has worked in academic advising at Illinois State University for the past two decades. Learn more about Mindy's passion for helping students.
Written by Ben Libman
The Department of Bioengineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is excited to welcome Mindy Kinney to the role of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs. With over two decades of experience in advising at Illinois State University, Mindy promises to be a crucial addition to our dedicated team of student support professionals. Learn more about the department's newest team member below.
Mindy Kinney
Tell us about your background. Where are you from and what roles have you held prior to this position?
I grew up in Eureka, Illinois and attended Millikin University for my Bachelor’s degree and then earned my master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse. I began my career in Athletic Training working first at an out-patient physical therapy clinic and then with a Division I NCAA program and quickly learned that working with college students was my true calling. I transitioned into an academic advising role and have been working in higher education ever since.
What drew you to this position in bioengineering?
This position in Bioengineering offered me the opportunity to return to working with undergraduate students while also utilizing and expanding on the administrative skills I had built in my previous positions. Once I began to interact with the individuals working in the department I knew this was where I wanted to be.
What are you most enjoying about the role so far?
The entire team in Bioengineering has been so welcoming, and getting to know them has been my favorite part so far. I’m so lucky to be joining this team of incredible professionals. It’s been quiet in the building so far as most students are away for the summer but, I’m looking forward to the energy they will bring when they return to our hallways.
What is your favorite advice for students?
Take some time to try something new! This is a unique time in your life when there are so many opportunities available to you. While it’s important to stay focused on your academic and career goals, this is a chance to explore in a way that gets much harder once you leave campus behind.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a huge Chicago Cubs fan and try to make it to as many games as I can each summer. In the winter my attention shifts to Green Bay Packers and Seattle Kraken games. I also love to travel, particularly to warm beachy locations.