PSY Staff Spotlight: Darlene Dalessandro

March 13, 2024 - Shelly DeJong

Meet Darlene Dalessandro, an Academic Program Coordinator who has helped countless graduate students over the years! Read on to learn what Dar likes most about her job, how she describes herself, what she likes to do outside of work, and more!  

 

What is your job and how long have you been at MSU? 

I am the Academic Program Coordinator for the online Masters and Certificate in Program Evaluation. I also handle the academic records for all the PhD students in Psychology. I have been doing Program Evaluation at MSU for 4 years and Psychology academics for about 1 year. 

 

What did you do before coming here? 

Prior to coming to MSU, I was working in my husband's State Farm office in Okemos. I was a licensed P & C representative and manager of his office. 

 

How do you describe yourself? 

Helpful, dependable, friendly, easy-going! 

 

What is your favorite thing about your job? 

I love being the go-to person for graduate students. I enjoy helping them navigate the little things, so they can focus on the big things they are working on. I strive to be a valuable resource for the students and tell them often to come to me. If I can’t help them, I will find someone who can. I come from a customer service background and believe that the students are our customers! I love it when I get notes back after they graduate, thanking me for the assistance I gave. It makes it all worth it to me. 

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Family tops the list outside of work. I love spending time with family in ANY capacity, hanging out, game nights, vacations, literally anything with my family.  Especially my 3 ½ year old grandson! When I am by myself, you will find me with my iPad in hand, playing games or reading on my kindle. 

 

Current book you're reading or tv/movie you're watching? 

I have 2 favorite types of TV shows: real-life crime shows/documentaries and mindless reality TV! 

 

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? 

If I had one superpower, it would be to be able to travel to heaven and back. This way I could visit my son.  

 

Give a shout-out to anyone in the department! 

My shout-out would go to Dr. Adrienne Adams! She has been more than a supervisor; she has become a true friend. I love how much that I have learned from her and how incredibly wonderful she is to work for and with! I am very thankful that she chose me to be her assistant.