Talking with… Lonnie Kussin

Interviews | Apr 02, 2020 | Jessica Edgar

Each “Talking with…” feature helps you learn about a different Gabelli School faculty member, administrator, or staff member. This week, we’re speaking with Lonnie Kussin, assistant dean of graduate advising at the Gabelli School of Business.

How would you describe your role as a graduate advisor at the Gabelli School of Business?

As a graduate advisor, I am a key resource for students navigating the University and I assist in making sure the students have the best possible experience while studying at Gabelli. 

What led you to become a graduate advisor?  

I’ve always enjoyed being part of the campus environment. In my time as an undergraduate and a graduate student, I interacted with a lot of faculty and staff members that I looked up to. I really admired them. My mother is a teacher and my father taught and later worked as an administrator at a high school. They truly enjoyed their jobs in education. They also helped inspire me to want to serve in a student-facing role. 

What part of your background/personality best prepared you for advising? 

We have such a diverse student body, and I think (although you have to ask others) it’s my ability to connect with so many different types of individuals. 

If you were sitting in the advisee’s chair, what advice would you like to hear? 

Right now – that everything is going to be okay!

How do you think graduate student advising will change in the future? 

I think we’re seeing it change right now. Our team has had to adjust from seeing so many students and colleagues in-person each day to interacting with many remotely. Now, we are working on sharing virtual student engagement options for students and tailoring that engagement to relate to the current challenges we are all dealing with.