Mandy Porter joined the Division of Student Affairs in August 2017 as the coordinator for student success and outreach within Educational Partnerships and Student Success. Get to know her in this Q&A.
If you’re going out to lunch during a workday, where is your top choice?
If I am working on campus, I would probably order from Cluster Truck. Their spiced chickpea bowl is chef’s kiss.
Favorite thing to do in the state of Indiana, but that is outside Indianapolis?
I have a state park pass so I enjoy checking out new trails. I also enjoyed cliff diving at White Rock Park.
The TV show you have watched the most and why?
Hands down, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." To say I was obsessed would be an understatement. I don’t know why I loved the show -- I just did. As seasons of the show would come out, I would rewatch the entire series leading up to the new box set. In case you’re curious, I’m Team Spike.
Favorite store to shop at?
I am not that much of a shopper. I would say I like shops that have a specialty like a book store or a board game shop.
Do you or did you ever have a collection? What do/did you collect?
I have collected many things throughout my life -- most embarrassingly bouncy balls. However, I have tried to chill on collecting things. Now, I would say the only thing I actively collect is decks of cards. There is a really fun game called Nertz that I learned in my sophomore year of college that I love to play, and it needs multiple decks of cards. If anyone knows of someone in need of bouncy balls, let me know. Also, if anyone wants to play Nertz sometime, please let me know.
Favorite thing about working at IUPUI?
I love that I am in a city. I grew up in a village, so Indianapolis is very different from where I grew up.
One piece of advice you would give someone just starting out in your career field.
Trust your instincts. If your gut is telling you that something is wrong, it probably is.