First Year Experience Director Interview - Featuring Nii Abrahams

Director of First Year Experience, Nii Abrahams, talks about his history within the program, his position, and what objectives he intends to reach for the 2022-23 academic year. The following is a recap of the interview that took place on 10/28/2022 .

Morgan Ross | maross2@butler.edu 

One of the unique aspects of Butler is that they aim to give first-year students an experience unlike any other. Admitting students is one part of this process, yet truly making them feel welcomed into a new environment is another challenge along the way. Time and time again, Butler is known for its remarkable efforts to not only sustain students but to provide them with a memorable lifelong experience. 

Nii Abrahams, Director of the First-Year Experience, strives to help create systems for first-years to find a belonging while making lasting connections throughout their time at Butler. From students beginning the enrollment process to graduating, Abraham's job is to be there for students. This role is one of the newest amongst several others this past year within the Student Affairs and Activities office. Originally, Student Affairs had worked with the Gardner Institute to conduct research, gaining additional insight and making observations on what could be improved. Out of that, 51 action items were established that Butler wanted to work on – mainly to create a better experience. 

Before Abraham's time here at Butler, he spent three years at Anderson University, two of which he worked on behalf of Admissions and one year focusing on the student experience. After Grad school, he taught at Ivy Tech as an adjunct in the communication department and spent five additional years teaching students online, furthering their education and success.

Abrahams’ passion for teaching and working with students was rooted in his youth With his parents both working in higher education, university life was a norm. As his work progressed, so did his passion for being on campus. But more so, he loved the tenacity it held. “I love working with students and building relationships and helping people discover who they are,” he states, which ultimately led him to his career. While initially receiving a Bachelor’s and Master's both in communication, as time progressed he realized that the spark he was missing was his love of working with people.

Regarding future goals, objectives, and programs, Abrahams had several things in mind. The most important is to see a more clear and comprehensive first-year student journey. It should become an experience that is consistent in what it has to offer, meaning that every student that comes into Butler knows right from the start the amazing opportunities and guidance that are offered to them. In addition, he hopes to see a more progressive, unified mentorship program. In general, Abrahams hopes that we continue to focus on underrepresented students, including those who may be commuters or part of foreign-exchange programs.

Beyond Abrahams' position and time here at Butler, he offered some pieces of advice that students may find influential. First, although he says it may sound cliche, he says “don't be too cool for school. Everybody walks in with an idea of a certain way to be, but the reality is that everyone is terrified and trying to transition”. For anyone, student or not, it takes time to grow and build resilience but it is especially important to not compare your experiences to someone else's. He also says to try to be vulnerable enough to make friends, “sometimes you need to be the one to make the first step.”

For questions and inquiries regarding the First-Year Experience, please visit SGA’s website. If you would like to contact First-Year Experience Director Nii Abrahams directly, please click here.