Every month the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State community to connect. This month readers can get to know Nicholas Finnessey, academic advisor for the College of Business.
What are your responsibilities in this role?
I currently advise students with a major or minor in business administration, finance, business information systems, or accounting. I have an individual advising caseload that has ranged from 600 to 800 students. I help my advisees make plans for future semesters, discuss challenges in their current courses, and assist them in exploring the different business majors.
How long have you been an employee at ISU?
I have been at ISU since September of 2018.
What do you love most about working at ISU?
I think the best thing about working at ISU is the aura of collegiality. There is a great network of professionals on this campus who readily help one another. I am especially grateful for ISU’s incredible network of academic advisors.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise people?
I am not originally from the Midwest. Prior to working at ISU, I lived my entire life in upstate New York. I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Binghamton University (State University of New York), which is actually the same school where my parents met.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?
When I am not working, I am usually completing schoolwork for my doctoral program or spending time with my girlfriend and our two little dorkies (Dachshund/Yorkshire terrier mixes).
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I will echo what many others have said: the Quad. During the semester life can be pretty hectic, but there is something incredibly calming about having our own little “forest” in the center of campus.
What quote most inspires you? Why?
“A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” – Jean de la Fontaine
This quote really resonates with me, but also with my conversations with my advisees. Many times when I am working with students, they worry about not having the perfect plan once they graduate. However, many do not realize life is not just a compilation of perfect opportunities and perfect decisions. Sometimes it’s the unexpected turns we take in life that are the most profound.
