Michele Soliz

Creating a positive campus climate for a diverse student body is no small feat, yet Michele Soliz, Vice President for Student Affairs at Indiana State University, has embraced the challenge with open arms. With nearly two decades of experience in Higher Education (HE), Michele is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and supporting students in their journey to success.

In today’s conversation, Michele sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss her career journey, the importance of peer-to-peer engagement, and how Indiana State is addressing key challenges such as mental health and community-building.

Michele's Journey

Jack: Can we start with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution?

Sure! I’m Michele Soliz, Vice President for Student Affairs at Indiana State University. I’ve been in this role for four years now. Indiana State is a four-year public regional institution located in Terre Haute, Indiana, about an hour west of Indianapolis. We serve around 8,000 students, with 2,500 of them living on campus. Our campus is incredibly diverse, and a large proportion of our students are first-generation college students. Supporting them is at the core of what we do.

Jack: What inspired you to pursue a career in student affairs?

My undergraduate experience was transformative, and I think that’s a common motivator for many of us in this field. I had such a rewarding time that it made me want to help others achieve the same. In student affairs, you’re part of students’ holistic growth and success – it’s deeply fulfilling to contribute to their journeys, even in small ways. I’ve been in HE for 24 years now, and the opportunity to help students realize their potential still drives me every day.

Jack: Creating a sense of belonging is key to fostering a positive campus climate. What are some initiatives you’ve implemented to achieve this?

It all starts with the people. Faculty and staff play a huge role in shaping students’ experiences, so their positivity and engagement are crucial. One of my top priorities is ensuring all students feel they belong, no matter their background or identity. We’ve created organizations and offices dedicated to meeting students’ diverse needs and supporting their success. We also emphasize collaboration across campus to ensure that a sense of community is embedded at every level.

Jack: How do you engage students on these important topics, especially during times of social or political unrest?

I have an open-door policy, and I encourage students to come and talk to me about anything. I’ve even started a tradition – if a student sends me a direct message on Instagram, I’ll treat them to Starbucks on campus. It’s a small gesture, but it creates a space where students feel heard and supported. Beyond that, we host numerous programs and events to facilitate healthy dialogue, ensuring students not only express their views but also learn to actively listen to others. Civil discourse is a life skill, and we’re committed to helping students develop it.

Jack: Engaging students in non-academic topics can be challenging. How do you overcome that?

Peer-to-peer influence is incredibly powerful. Students are far more likely to attend an event if they see their friends promoting it. That’s why I rely heavily on student ambassadors to spread the word about our programs and initiatives. When students lead the way, their peers are more likely to follow. It’s all about creating a ripple effect within the community.

Jack: That’s a great approach. Peer-to-peer engagement seems to be a growing trend in HE. What other initiatives have you introduced to enhance the student experience?

One of our newest projects is the launch of an e-sports lab on campus. It’s a fantastic way to integrate technology, creativity, and teamwork in a fun and engaging environment. This initiative complements what students are learning in the classroom and gives them an opportunity to apply those skills in a different context. It’s exciting to see students from diverse backgrounds come together to collaborate and connect through esports.

Jack: Mental health is a critical issue on campuses today. What steps have you taken to support students in this area?

We’ve partnered with a telehealth provider to offer counseling services outside traditional hours. This has been a game-changer for us. Many students are accessing support during evenings and weekends, which shows the importance of meeting them where they are. By providing flexible, accessible mental health resources, we’ve been able to reach more students and address their needs in real time. Today’s students are juggling so much. Whether they’re 18-year-olds fresh out of high school or working adults returning to college, we need to create systems that support them all.

Jack: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

The best advice I’ve received is to be authentic. People appreciate knowing the real you. In student affairs, relationships are everything. As the saying goes, people may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. I try to embody that every day by being present, remembering students’ names, and showing genuine care. It’s the foundation of building a welcoming and supportive campus community.