Adam Jussel

Higher Education (HE) is rapidly evolving, and fostering a sense of belonging, supporting student wellbeing, and ensuring access to education are more critical than ever. To explore these themes, Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview sat down with Adam Jussel, Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).

With a unique background as an attorney turned Student Affairs leader, Adam brings a distinctive perspective on HE’s role in shaping students’ lives. From UWM’s dual mission of access and research to the evolving challenges of mental health and engagement, Adam shares his insights on creating an inclusive, supportive campus environment.

Adam’s Journey

Jack: Can we start with an introduction to yourself and your organization?

I'm Adam Jussel (he/him), the Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).

Jack: Can you tell me a little about UWM as an institution?

Absolutely. First, let me tell you about Milwaukee – I’ve been here for six years. I originally grew up in Southern Idaho and moved here not knowing much about the city or the community. However, I was looking for a university whose mission aligned with my personal values, and UWM really stood out.

UWM is an access institution, meaning we admit a significant number of students who apply. The core mission here is that education is a social good, and we want as many people as possible to have access to it. We serve a large number of students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college, and that’s something that resonates deeply with me and my colleagues.

At the same time, UWM is a Research 1 institution, which means it meets the highest research standards in the US. This dual mission – both access and research – is exciting because students who might not have had access to HE also get to engage in cutting-edge research. It attracts faculty who are passionate about both teaching and research, making for a dynamic learning environment. Milwaukee has become home for me, and finding an institution where my values align with its mission has been truly rewarding.

Jack: What was your journey to your current role like?

I came into this field in an unconventional way – I’m actually an attorney by training. In undergrad, I was a Resident Assistant (RA), which completely changed my life and the trajectory of my career.

Like many students, I reached my junior year without knowing what I wanted to do. I had done well in a law class, and my professor suggested I go to law school. I had no lawyers in my family, and while my parents went to college, no one had attended graduate school. So, I was navigating new territory.

Law school tends to push students toward big law firms, and I had that opportunity, but I kept feeling drawn back to education. I had done internships in Student Affairs and knew that’s where my passion lay. I practiced law for a bit but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I found a job as an Assistant Attorney General in Washington, essentially working as a lawyer for a university. That position gave me a pathway to move into administration, which was a pivotal moment in my career. Eventually, I transitioned fully into Student Affairs, and here we are today.

Jack: Given the landscape in the US, creating a sense of belonging is a priority. How do you approach that?

It’s an ongoing process – I don’t have all the answers, but I keep working on it. One of the key things I try to do is show up, even when it’s tough. Whether it’s a difficult conversation or a high-conflict situation, I believe in being present with students. That’s also the culture of the office – we step into challenging spaces..

Students at UWM can be their authentic selves. If you build relationships with them, they’re open and real with you. But belonging is an evergreen issue, especially as the world becomes more complex. Student Affairs professionals need to move beyond traditional approaches and explore creative ways to foster belonging. Yes, large events and programs help, but we also need upstream solutions – giving students tools to form meaningful connections in ways that work for them.

Jack: On mental wellbeing, what sorts of resources and initiatives are you looking at right now?

Having systems in place to respond to student needs is important, and providing resources to staff and faculty on how they can help respond when a student comes to them is vital.

Peer-to-peer support is also incredibly valuable. It doesn’t have to come from the Dean of Students or an office – it’s often more impactful when students support each other, or they turn to a trusted faculty or staff member.

I also try to be open with students about my own challenges to help normalize discussions about mental health. While today’s students talk about these issues more than my generation did, stigma still exists. One major focus is breaking down barriers to accessing mental health resources. We continue to see an increase in students using counseling services, yet some students still don’t realize what’s available or make assumptions on who counseling is for. Addressing that perception is key.

Jack: Students today have less free time than ever. How do you address that challenge?

Many students are caregivers, work part-time or full-time, and juggle numerous responsibilities. Traditional appointment-based counseling doesn’t always fit into their schedules. That’s why we offer short, informal 20-minute check-ins with counseling staff, and other online and referral resources – these serve as gateways to further support. Some students can only engage with support services late at night, so we need to provide digital tools that meet their needs. Living in an urban environment also means we have external organizations that can help, so making those connections is crucial. Offering a range of flexible options ensures students can access support in a way that works for them.

‍Jack: What’s the best piece of advice you’d like to pass on to others in the sector?

It’s hard to pick just one! But I’d say this work can and should be done with compassion. There’s a misconception that you have to choose between being empathetic or being firm, but I believe there’s always room for compassion. Joy and heart have a place in everything we do. The other thing I’d say is don’t take yourself too seriously.