Andréa Halpin has started her role as Indiana University’s director for student wellness and well-being within the university-wide Office of the Vice President for Student Success. Halpin, who started Feb. 17, was formerly dean of students and the Multicultural Center director at IU Kokomo.

Andréa Halpin. Photo courtesy of IU KokomoHalpin will help implement IU-wide initiatives that address the wholistic wellness of all students at IU and support key student success goals as outlined in IU 2030, the university’s strategic plan. She will also play a key role in leading activities to monitor and enhance progress toward the goals detailed in the Student Mental Health Initiative.

She will also be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction in the areas supporting the physical, intellectual, mental, emotional and social wellness needs of students across IU’s campuses. Working closely with campus partners, Halpin will promote student health and wellness services and resources.

“We are excited to have Andréa join our team in this role,” IU Vice President for Student Success Julie Payne-Kirchmeier said. “Her background working with students, their well-being and their long-term success is truly an asset to Indiana University. Additionally, her experience with our regional campuses brings a depth of knowledge about the regional campus student experience, and will help all of IU focus on helping our students to thrive.”

In her role as IU Kokomo dean of students, Halpin successfully led numerous wellness activities centered on helping students thrive mentally, physically and socially. Her efforts included co-chairing the First-Generation Campus Committee, which secured grant funding to enhance high-impact practices and support for first-generation students through year-round mentorship.

Also at Kokomo, she promoted help-seeking behaviors for all students through initiatives such as TimelyCare and U Bring Change 2 Mind; the usage of resource navigators; the promotion of Counseling and Psychological Services; and the development of co-curricular wellness programs aligned with the institution’s broader mission of student success.

Halpin helped the Kokomo campus become more data-informed and -driven in their wellness efforts using platforms such as Engage by Anthology. Informed by metrics, she crafted programs that enhanced student engagement, promoted holistic wellness, fostered resilience and increased academic persistence.

She holds a Master of Science in student affairs in higher education from Missouri State University. She has served in key leadership roles within the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators for the past six years, helping to organize numerous regional conferences.

“I am deeply passionate about fostering student wellness and well-being, and I am thrilled to join the vice president for student success team in advancing holistic wellness initiatives across IU,” Halpin said. “Ensuring that all students have the support and resources they need to thrive is at the heart of my work. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across our campuses to enhance student well-being and contribute to IU’s student success efforts.”