Poe to serve as Hudson and Holland associate director

Unpacked cardboard boxes sit around Jennifer Poe’s new office as she prepares for her first staff meeting following Thanksgiving break.

After working at IU for nine years, Poe was named the new associate director of the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program, a scholarship and academic support program for minority undergraduate IU students.

Following a nationwide search to fill the position, program directors decided Poe was the best candidate.

“There is so much room for us to improve student retention, department collaborations and holistic counseling,” Poe said. “My goal is for us to make this a model program.”

As associate director of HHSP, Poe will focus much of her efforts on recruiting new students for the program, she said.

By developing overarching philanthropy projects, pushing students above minimum grade requirements and increasing the number of advisers, she aims to create a better sense of community within the program.

The associate director position was previously occupied by Anthony Scott for nine years.

He stepped down in January to become the director of admissions and student services at the IU-Purdue University Indianapolis Herron School of Art.

Poe said her new role will allow her to bring together more than 900 HHSP students with the Bloomington community.

“The scholarships and support this program offers has been a vital resource to students,” she said. “For some, it has made the difference between staying enrolled or dropping out.”

Poe previously served as a HHSP academic adviser for two years, where she specialized in advising students interested in social work and psychology.

Junior Danielle Neal said having Poe as an adviser led her to discover a passion within social work and become more prepared for life after college.

“She listens,” Neal said. “She is more than an adviser — she’s my friend.”

Poe graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in psychology. She then received her master’s  degree in social work and began her career at IU as a coordinator for the 21st Century Scholars Program.

She said a lifelong passion of working with kids drew her to IU.

“College students still have the hopefulness and drive to achieve all their goals and dreams,” Poe said. “I get to work with those students and help set them on the right path.”

Marsha McGriff, director of HHSP, said moving Poe to the associate director position was a seamless transition.

“Jennifer is a seasoned professional,” she said. “She loves IU, and she loves students. We’re getting her back to what she does best.”

Poe will continue to serve as an academic adviser to students until the end of the fall semester.

“Hudson and Holland students are poised to take a big ol’ bite out of the world,” McGriff said.

“We give them their shoes, lace them up for them and send them on their way.”

Follow reporter Matt Bloom on Twitter @matthew_bloom.