To make Atkins a great living-learning community, our director, mentors, office facilitators, and fellows do everything we can to help our family members mature and envision paths forward to leadership and graduation from Indiana University.
Director
Dr. Valerie Grim, professor and director of undergraduate education in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, has been a member of the Indiana University faculty since 1990. She teaches courses in African American history, culture, politics, and race studies. Dr. Grim researches and publishes in the areas of African American history, culture, and rural studies.
Fellow
Dr. Carolyn Calloway-Thomas, professor and chair in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, provides scheduling and management support, financial and curricular direction, and mentoring to current Atkinites and alumni.
Fellow
Dr. Jakobi Williams, a professor in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, teaches courses associated with African American history, politics, and culture. He researches and publishes in the areas of social and protest movements.
Fellow
Mr. Vincent Isom, director of the 21st Century Scholars Program, works closely with the administrative needs of Atkins and serves as a mentor.
Fellow
Ms. Nancy Lorenz provides scholarship and social activity support.
Fellow
Mr. Richard Lorenz provides mentorship and co-sponsors social and academic activities with Nancy Lorenz that help to foster community, unity, and leadership in Atkins.
Fellow
Mr. Cedric Harris provides mentorship to Atkins students and helps to co-narrate and co-navigate the educational emergent trips.
Fellow
Mr. Patrick Smith, director of Faculty and Staff for Student Excellence (FASE) Mentoring, provides mentorship and supports programming that provides opportunities for students to grow as leaders and peer mentors.
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Jen Faulk, the administrative assistant for the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, serves as the logistical person for Atkins, making students’ room assignments, scheduling rooms for meetings, providing appropriate food for events, sending and receiving messages in the Atkins village, and ensuring that the Atkins experience is positive.
Office Manager
Mr. Michael Brooks, office manager for the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies, serves as the financial manager for Atkins, handling accounts that relate to the activities and expenditures of Atkins.
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