Staff Spotlight: Andrew Mueller

Andrew Mueller is the director of the Conard Learning Center at Ohio State Mansfield and is well known for his dedication to student success and retention, as well as his leadership in managing tutoring programs.

He earned his bachelor of science in education from Ohio State Mansfield in 2007, and his master of education in 2009.

His contributions have significantly impacted students at the university for over a decade. He has been recognized with awards such as the Mansfield Outstanding Staff Award and the University Distinguished Staff Award.

What do you do at Ohio State Mansfield?

I am the director of the Conard Learning Center, where I am responsible for supporting student success and retention through the managing of student tutors and creating academic tutoring programs. In addition to managing tutoring services, I also occasionally teach math classes and have established and continue to manage the Conard Testing Center, which serves as a proctoring site for non-Ohio State students taking online courses elsewhere and needing a proctored exam environment. I am also currently serving on committees such as Mansfield Staff Advisory Council, Executive Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee and I am a Buckeye Wellness Innovator.

What drew you to Ohio State Mansfield?

I was born and raised in Mansfield. I ended up attending Ohio State Mansfield for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While a student here, I worked in the Conard Learning Center as a tutor. This led to a full-time job opportunity when I graduated. I enjoyed the convenience of being able to live at home while going to college and I’ve been thankful to be able to stay in Mansfield close to my family and my church.

What are you most proud of during your time at Ohio State Mansfield?

I am proud of the impact my team and I have made on student success and retention over the past 16 years. The CLC (Conard Learning Center) services have expanded greatly over the years, impacting thousands of students. Personally, I’m also proud to have been the recipient of the Mansfield Outstanding Staff Award (2019) and the University Distinguished Staff Award (2020). 

What does it mean to be a Buckeye?

Being a Buckeye means being part of an organization that is recognized worldwide. I love being part of the staff, the alumni and the fan base! Our family always enjoys being in a different state and hearing someone call out an “O-H” followed by someone else shouting back “I-O!” I’ve been able to make some great connections and build great friendships by being a Buckeye.

What advice do you have for students?

I always tell students to make sure they take advantage of all the resources on campus, especially the CLC. It’s important to schedule and set aside a consistent time and place each week to work on homework and study. The CLC is a great place to do that because other students will be studying as well, and it helps the students get in the mindset of focusing on their work. My most repeated words of advice to students are: “You should always over-study for your first exam in any class. It’s always better to walk away from the test and think, ‘I studied way too hard for that, next time I can probably let up a little,’ and get a good grade, as opposed to leaving the exam room thinking, ‘Oh no, I should’ve spent much more time studying,’ and be digging yourself out of a hole for the rest of the semester.”

What do you do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my wife of 16 years, Bethany, and my three children, Silas (13), Lily (10), and Levi (7). We enjoy spending time outside, especially being on the water in the summer and skiing on the snow in the winter. We also enjoy travelling to Syracuse, New York, to visit Bethany’s side of the family. Over the past couple of years, I have also been busy taking on renovation projects at home.

Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

Most people know that my faith in Jesus Christ is a central point of my life, but not as many know that I have served as a pastor at a local Christian church for the past eight years.