Chris Abrams
Dean of Student Affairs
Perseverance
I got this from trait my parents. I鈥檓 not the smartest person in most rooms I walk into in higher education. In past roles, people have referred to me as a 鈥渂lue-collar鈥 academic. I am also not the most talented person in most rooms I walk into either, but I don鈥檛 quit. This is part of what attracted me to Heidelberg. The profile of many of the students at Heidelberg remind me of me when I was persevering through my undergraduate experience.
A Winding Road to Success
My major was communication arts. I started as a social studies education major. But after I realized that having summers off is not a good way to pick a major, I gravitated to communications arts on the encouragement of a professor, Dr. Kim Phipps. The same professor who encouraged me to be a communication arts major encouraged me to be a resident assistant (RA). After serving as an RA for about a month, I was hooked on Student Life and started looking into how to pursue it as a career. One thing led to another and five states and six positions later, I have the privilege of serving at Heidelberg!
Reminiscing
My best memory growing up took place in my 鈥渓ate鈥 childhood. It was attending the 1995 World Series with my father. Not only because I am a huge Indians fan but because my dad was offered a considerable amount of money for the tickets and instead of taking the money he took me to the game. The Indians lost the series, but they won that game!
Family with a Flair
Family excites me. I have a unique family. My wife, Melissa, is Canadian (we met in college). We have twin girls, Faith and Hope, who are Haitian and to round things out is our three-legged labradoodle Sadie. Needless to say, people who don鈥檛 know us do double takes when they see us together.
Advice to Students
Two things:
- Don鈥檛 give up! There are countless capable young people who have allowed themselves to get sidetracked and not walk across the graduation stage. Don鈥檛 be one of them!
- Get the most out of your experience. So many students get locked into one thing whether that be an academic program, an athletic team, a greek organization, etc. 鈥 My advice is to take a step outside your comfort zone, try something new. College offers so many opportunities you may never have again. My greatest regret from my undergraduate experience is missing out on studying abroad.
Fun Facts
Hometown: Originally Medina, Ohio, but now Tiffin is my home.
Favorite food: Filet Mignon
Hobbies: Cooking and golfing
Best Heidelberg moment (so far): Having Student Senate at my house for pancake-palooza
Favorite TV show/movie: 鈥淲alking Dead鈥/鈥淢onty Python and The Holy Grail鈥
Role model: Steve Moroney (friend/former colleague)
Favorite book: 鈥淭he Lord of the Rings鈥 trilogy
Single best day on the calendar: The one that is 75 degrees and sunny
Dream car: 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S convertible-black
Childhood dream job: professional baseball pitcher
Read more in the Humans of Heidelberg series.