The Division of Student Affairs has more than 100 staff members working to ensure all students find success and belonging during college and beyond. Their stories are unique, captivating and allow us to learn more about them personally. In the first edition of Get To Know, we caught up with Health and Wellness Promotion Director Eric Teske.
When did you start working at IUPUI?
I started in June 2013. I was working over at Counseling and Psychological Services, and I had a super long title: Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention Coordinator.
What's your favorite part of your job?
I absolutely love my job, and I think the thing that keeps me excited to get out of bed in the morning is the ability to innovate. I love that IUPUI feels both prestigious but also nimble. We are actively creating traditions and new initiatives and have the ability to dream big.
What's one goal you have for this upcoming year?
We’ve just started to scratch the surface with Health and Wellness Coaching, and I think our office’s non-clinical direct services are poised to have a breakout year. Ryan Anderson and Danielle Wolfe, other members of the Health and Wellness Promotion staff, are doing their coach certification training this summer, and we have three practicum coaches on board for the fall. The transition to video coaching has had a huge silver lining that lets us reach commuters like myself after they’ve left campus for the day. We’ve had three consecutive years of growth, and coaching is the perfect approach to help students find their new rhythm coming back to campus.
Biggest change at IUPUI since you've been here?
The physical campus is definitely the biggest change. I was here before North Hall or University Hall were constructed, back when the executive team was working out of aluminum barracks south of Ball Hall. We used to host late night coffeehouse jam sessions on the second floor of University Tower before it was a Denny’s.
Favorite spot on campus?
The Natatorium – it’s legendary. Back in the 90’s my dad would drive me over to Indianapolis from Dayton to compete in youth diving meets in the Nat. I’d stare up at the list of Olympians written on the wall, and got to dive from the same boards used by the USA Diving elite team. I had tickets to diving Olympic trials this summer but it was postponed due to COVID.
Best place to eat in the Indianapolis area?
My favorite pizza place has a super weird name. It’s called Puccini’s Smiling Teeth. I get the campfire pizza every time: smoked sausage, marmalade, gorgonzola and fresh rosemary.
Best trip you have ever been on?
I’m sort of a homebody so I don’t travel that much, but every couple years we do a big vacation. My favorite to date has to be an Alaskan cruise. My husband and I did sea kayaking and had seals swim along side us and pop their heads up to get a closer look.
What's one fun memory from your childhood?
I distinctly remember the day my dad brought home an original Nintendo after I got home from soccer practice. We literally had to unplug the old-fashioned rabbit ear antennas in order to connect the Nintendo to the TV, which was about 15 inches wide made of wood and glass.