Colleen E. Banter

Associate Director

Office: Young Hall (YONG), 6th floor
Phone: (765) 494-0843
E-mail: brownce@purdue.edu

Hometown

I am an Indiana girl - I was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana (about 1½ hours northwest of here).  I moved to West Lafayette to  attend Purdue in 1997 when I was 23 years old.  I have been here since then so this community really feels like home.  My mom and step-dad still live in the same house in Valpo so that feels like home too.  I am so lucky!

Education

I earned a BA in Public Relations and an MS in Communication & Media both from Purdue.  I am a Boilermaker through and through – Boiler UP!

Experience

I worked in the hospitality field for many years during and after college where I learned the great art of guest interaction and satisfaction – a VERY transferable skill set.  I also learned about multitasking, team building, training, budgeting, and marketing.  I also worked in advertising for a few years after my master’s until I listened to my heart and came back to higher education – where my TRUE passions lie. I began teaching at Purdue during my master’s degree and have taught a variety of COM classes for more than 13 total semesters. I began with advising Purdue COM students in the College of Liberal Arts and spent several happy years there. I moved to Exploratory Studies in December of 2014. I am now Associate Director of our program and love my job of lending my passion and abilities to awesome Exploring students. 

Advice for the Future Boilermaker

College is a wonderful privilege – be aware that not everyone gets to participate in this transformative experience so please be grateful that your situation allows you to be here and treat it kindly.  Make brave and meaningful choices – don’t run from a challenge!  Working hard and persevering through adversity builds character, knowledge, and helps you grow in ways you can never predict.  College is much more than advanced job training so don’t forget you are also nurturing your intellect and beginning to become the next generation of global citizens this world so badly needs. Balance is key now and beyond college so keep working toward it.  Anything to excess is harmful – including studying.  Work hard but also have fun.  Take care of your heart and soul as much as you take care of your homework.   Use this amazing opportunity to reach outside of your comfort zone often.  Finally, utilize campus resources to their fullest – you have A LOT of people here that believe in you, are cheering for you, and are fully invested in helping you succeed.  USE US! 

Fun Facts

I am a huge sports fan and I cheer loyally for my Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox.  No matter how painful.  I enjoy Fantasy Football and I win a lot.  I love to read popular fiction books - my favorite genre is fictional murder mysteries.  I have an equal obsession with TV shows concerning all law enforcement type topics (CSI, Law & Order etc.).  I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic the last summer of my undergrad – loved it!  I LOVE CAMPING and enjoy all the Indiana State Parks regularly!  I have a Boxer named Herbie who is my baby and I love all dogs and cats!