New Leadership
Getting to Know Dr. Beam and Dr. Mustafa

AS THE NEW Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, Dr. Teresa Beam brings her expertise and leadership to USI. "I believe great leadership is about caring for the community you serve, listening well and clearing barriers," she said.

What is your background in higher education?

Immediately before accepting this position, I served as Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to joining St. Mary's University, I was Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics at Manchester University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I also served as Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at the University of Saint Francis, also in Fort Wayne. 

What was your initial reaction to finding out you got the job at USI? 

I was excited to join the USI community. As a native Hoosier, I was eager to return to Indiana. I noticed a culture of care and concern for everyone on campus, which really drew me in during the interview process. 

How would you describe your leadership style? 

I consider myself a servant leader. I believe great leadership is about taking care of the community you serve, listening well and clearing the barriers that prevent people from being at their best. 

What are your hobbies and interests outside of higher education? 

I enjoy nature and being outdoors — hiking, boating, kayaking, birding, etc. When I first visited USI's campus, I noticed how the natural spaces invite students to get outdoors with the trails, nature preserve and abundant green spaces. That aspect stood out to me and drew me here, as it is a rich, unique feature of the USI campus.  

What is your vision for student success and support? 

Students have the highest likelihood of success when they are surrounded by a caring community, provided with opportunities to try new things, challenged in ways that maximize their potential and given feedback that lifts them to greater heights. My vision for student success is to help students imagine and achieve all they are capable of doing. 

What do you see as the college's strengths, and how do you plan to build upon our successes? 

The Pott College has many strengths, too many to mention. However, I think one important strength is our intentional focus on "learning by doing." Our students have abundant opportunities for hands-on experiences that are in high demand from business, industry, and graduate and professional schools. In Pott College, students use modern technology to solve problems, collaborate with professional scientists and engineers, and graduate career ready. Internships, research experiences, opportunities for conference travel and real-world, industry-sponsored projects are common. 

What is the best advice you've ever received? 

Do something to make progress on one of your goals every day, even if it's small and even if you don't feel like it. It's consistent dedication that adds up to something greater. 

JOINING THE UNIVERSITY on June 23 as Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Abeer Ali-Mustafa has more than two decades of experience working with and helping students achieve their goals. "I'm looking forward to students showing me what their experience is here on campus," she said.

What drew you to this position at USI? 

My mentor and former boss saw the posting and told me he thought the Vice President for Student Affairs at USI was a great opportunity for me. What really drew me more (to USI) is that, in my experience, I’ve found my niche and my happiness working at a regional campus. That is where I found I am most successful. I also enjoy the environment and really helping students achieve success. That's my happy place, and that's what drew me to USI.  

What is your main goal for your first academic year?

My goal has always been centered on putting students first. Our vision is student-centered; we work to give them a true sense of belonging. That is what I am most passionate about.  

I would love for our department to hit the ground running. I'm going to attend every activity, event and function I can. Anywhere a student wants me to show up, I'm going to be there.

I really want to see the campus through their lens; to identify gaps, help address them and determine where we can pivot. I want to support not only the students, but also the staff in our division and our colleagues across campus. My focus is on how I can play a role in advancing student success. 

Have you explored campus yet? If so, do you have a contender for favorite spot?

I absolutely love the USI-Burdette Trail—the woods, the serenity. You'll find me out there walking the trails without a doubt, taking time to think, relax and exhale.

I like to walk, so I go everywhere on campus by foot. On an average day, I will probably get 15,000 steps. I also like to meet my team where they are —it gets me out of the office, and I don't enjoy sitting behind a desk all day. If I have the opportunity to go to someone's office, I'll come to your office! Walking everywhere gives me the chance to run into students and connect with colleagues. 

The intramural fields are beautiful as well. I can't wait to see students utilizing the space—playing, relaxing, getting to know one another and building community.  

What is a hidden talent you have?

During COVID, my hidden talent was the Rubik's Cube. I learned how to solve it, and I keep one on my desk.  

Now my new goal is to solve the mirror Rubik's Cube. It sits on my desk, and when I get stuck on something, I work on it. It helps me clear my mind and refocus. Sometimes there's so much happening in our lives, so working to solve a single problem in that moment helps me reset and has become my hidden talent.

One of my brothers can solve it in under a minute. I am trying, but I'm not even close to that yet.  

What book are you currently reading?

I read a lot of books—about one book per day. I'm an avid reader. Reading is my love language or my passion. Sometimes I read too much, according to my family. I always carry books with me, and what I have with me right now are re-reads.  

The Undergraduate Experience is what I'm really focused on right now. It's a really well-written book. Student Retention is another one on my nightstand. Coming to a new institution, I want to understand the undergraduate experience, reimagine that experience, and explore the best practices and methodology out there and how we align with them.

The Undergraduate Experience is a book I really enjoy, and I've probably bought copies a couple of times for colleagues across my career. The other book I have is Five Levels of Leadership and The First 90 Days —both are important to me.

What are you most excited about for your first semester at USI?

Developing and engaging our traditions at the University is important—not just for students, but staff as well. Learning where those traditions come from and what is embedded in our culture. Really learning USI inside out, that's what I'm excited about.  

What's a final thought you'd like to share with both fellow employees and USI students?

My door is always open. I love soft launching new programs and hearing fresh ideas. I want people—students, staff, faculty, anyone—to come in and say, "I've got a great idea," and know that I'll be your wingman, I’m your partner.

I love reimagining spaces and re-envisioning programs. I don't always have to be in the lead seat to start something. I can be a co-pilot or a cheerleader.

I can't wait to see what's ahead. I've been walking every corner of the University, imagining what is possible for our students.

I've loved every minute of my time so far, and I'm so glad I chose this opportunity. I've been astonished by the warm welcome from the community, both on and off campus. It's been an incredible feeling.