Denise Scroggins had just finished a practicum in the O’Neill School for her master’s degree in college student personnel administration in 1995 when she was hired as an academic advisor. Fast forward 27 years, two kids, hundreds of adjunct faculty, 25 graduation festivities, and various job titles, and she continues to be an integral part of the school.
“While I’ve stayed in the same school for nearly three decades, my role has evolved throughout the years,” said Scroggins. “I can boast eight different offices and 10 job titles including: academic advisor, program manager, interim coordinator of student services, adjunct faculty, and director of faculty and academic services. Flexibility was key for my positions and for me personally. I was allowed to shift to part-time while my girls were young, ramping back up to full-time status a few years later. I have been afforded an outlet for my creativity—writing newsletters, developing scholarships, planning schedules, and coordinating inaugural O’Neill events and faculty awards. My leadership skills have been valued as I have been tapped to guide student committees and campus endeavors for the school.”
Scroggins has seen much in her time with O’Neill, but some of her fondest memories center around the people.
“Memories of when now-retired faculty member Kenna Quinet threw me a baby shower for my first child in 1998. Or, when I came in on a weekend with two co-workers—who shall remain unnamed—to paint our offices because we did not like the colors offered. I remember being handed a drop/add form to sign by a student in the next stall in the ladies restroom, attending many O’Neill trivia nights, actively participating in the demolition of the dean’s office and student services offices during renovation. I have great pride at commencement as I watch our graduates process in—which still gives me goose bumps to this day—and honor the dedication of our adjunct associate faculty.
“I can truly say I am blessed to have spent so much time surrounded by passionate faculty, staff, and students who constantly strive to do good and make the world better,” she said.
Scroggins has received many awards during her tenure at the O’Neill school: IUPUI Advisor of the Year, 1997; Outstanding Woman Leader, Part-time, 2008; Glenn W. Irwin Jr. M.D. Experience Excellence Recognition Award (for Service to IUPUI Beyond the Call of Duty), 2013; Outstanding Woman Staff Leader, 2016; and O’Neill Favorite Professor Award—Part-time; Undergraduate, 2022.
