Ryan Anderson joined the Division of Student Affairs in January 2020. As the Health Promotion Specialist, he is responsible for developing and implementing effective public health marketing strategies, tracking performance, and evaluating the success of those strategies based on learning and health behavior outcomes. He jumped in the hot seat for this edition of Get To Know.
Why did you apply to work at IUPUI?
I thought the position really fit my set of skills and provided flexibility to cover all of the dimensions of wellness. I also appreciated the focus on communication, which I think is a strong suit of mine (#3 in myStrengths). Plus it is close to home -- I'm from Cincinnati. My parents really appreciated that.
If someone visits you from out of town, where is your go-to place to take them to eat or have fun?
Bru Burger Bar or Yolk.
What are the last three bands/artists you listened to?
Beyonce, Kim Petras, and Cantus.
What’s the best dish you cook?
Chicken piccatta.
What’s the hardest part of your job but is also the most rewarding?
Supervising our team of Peer Health Educators. They are amazing, talented, and dedicated students, who are also really involved, so time management can be a struggle sometimes. However, when I see them interacting with students or them supporting each other through this tough semester, it makes it all worth it.
Finish this sentence: In 10 years I hope to be…
In 10 years I hope to be partnered, a guest judge on season 22 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a Director of Health Promotion (or similar title) at a university, and just as fabulous as ever (hair flip emoji). Also, continuing to fight systemic oppression and giving back to my community.
Did you collect anything as a child?
No, but as an adult, I collect adult coloring books and art supplies.