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Talented Trio of Visual Arts Educators (Class of 2021)

Class of 2021 School of Education - Miller, Andry, Hopf

The University of Indianapolis School of Education nominated three very talented visual arts educators from the graduating Class of 2021 to be featured in a senior spotlight. Learn about Ashley Andry, Avery Miller, and Nicole Hopf:


Ashley AndryAshleyAndry

  • Major – Visual Arts Teaching (K-12)
  • Graduating – May 2021

Extracurriculars – I have been in Kappa Delta Pi for two years and served as the membership chair for two semesters

Next steps – I plan to teach art at a school in Indy. I haven’t found a job yet, but am excited for what the future holds!

My UIndy mentor – Mindy Stephenson. Mindy is my university supervisor, a fellow art educator, and my biggest help through junior block and student teaching. She has been a consistent guiding light and has helped me to answer my most difficult questions about becoming a teacher! Throughout the last two years, Mindy has shown me incredible support and done an amazing job in helping me to use all of my education knowledge and apply it to my specific content area. I couldn’t have done this without her!

My favorite thing about UIndy – The way that my professors have invested in my college career. The small class sizes and individualized support have helped me to grow immensely. I can tell that my professors truly care about me and my success and do everything in their power to help me to become a great teacher myself!

Advice for incoming freshmen – Ask all the questions they can. I can’t tell you how afraid I was to ask for help in my first three (!!!) years of college. Everyone is so understanding and just wants to help you be confident in the knowledge that you possess, so don’t be afraid to send that panic-induced email in the ungodly hours of the night. Your professors will do their absolute best to help you get where you need to be!


Avery MillerAvery Miller

  • Major – Visual Arts Teaching (K-12)
  • Minor – Spanish
  • Graduating – August 2021 (walking in the May ceremony)

Extracurriculars – Involved in Kappa Delta Pi (treasurer for 1 year)

Next steps – I plan to teach elementary or middle school art in Nashville, TN.

My UIndy mentor – Dr. Ridgway and Mindy Stephenson have helped make the most of my education here at UIndy. Always answering my questions, and positively building me up when needed.

My favorite thing about UIndy – I love the abundant resources at UIndy like the ProEdge center, and college-specific resources, along with the professor’s attention to students.

Advice for incoming freshmen – Make the most of every year. Don’t think “I just want to be done,” or “I wish I was just a senior already” because you’ll never get to be in an environment and experience like UIndy again.


nicole hopfNicole Hopf

  • Major – Masters in the Arts of Teaching; Art Education
  • Graduating – May 2021

Extracurriculars – Involved with the Board of Clinical Partnership Academy on campus

Next steps – I am currently employed at Cedar Elementary in Avon as their Visual Arts teacher teaching K-4.

My UIndy mentor – Mindy Stephenson was my student teaching coach/mentor and she was so helpful in lesson ideas, modifications, and suggesting activities that helped me grow as an educator. Also, the undergrad art education majors, specifically Avery Miller, have been a soundboard for lesson ideas as well.

My favorite thing about UIndy – Committed and understanding teachers who teach with a welcoming attitude, just as they tell us to. They are very flexible which has emphasized how important that is to all students.

Advice for incoming freshmen – Work hard! Listen to your educators as they are practicing what you are learning and you can see firsthand why it is important to accommodate all. Be in a constant stream of communication with your professors, they want to help you!

Learn more about UIndy’s School of Education