About
Shelby Topping earned her B.S. degrees in Speech Communication and Counseling Psychology from Grace College in 1995 and her M.A. in Organizational and Professional Communication Development from Ball State University in 1996. She began her career in training and organizational development, serving in leadership roles at Centier Bank and Purdue University Calumet, where she developed and implemented professional development programs, performance management processes, and employee training initiatives. She later taught graduate and undergraduate courses as an adjunct faculty member at DeVry University.
Shelby joined Valparaiso University in 2013 as an Administrative Assistant supporting academic departments. In this role, she provided administrative support, coordinated events, managed budgets and reimbursements, and developed training opportunities for academic administrative staff. She co-founded the Valpo Assistant Support Team (VAST), a professional development network for administrative assistants. In 2022, she transitioned into the role of Enterprise Processes and Projects Analyst, leading and supporting initiatives to improve university processes through technology, training, and data-informed decision-making.
In November 2024, Shelby joined the College of Arts & Sciences as Administrative Assistant to the Dean. She supervises and provides management and professional development for a team of nine administrative assistants while supporting the College’s internal processes. Drawing on her background in organizational development, training, and process improvement, Shelby is passionate about helping people and organizations thrive.
Shelby especially values the opportunity to contribute to Valparaiso University’s mission through her work in the College of Arts & Sciences. She believes that meaningful work is rooted in service, collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to helping others discover and fulfill their own sense of purpose. She is grateful to be part of a community that values both excellence and the development of the whole person, and she finds great fulfillment in supporting the faculty, staff, and students who make the College such a vibrant community of learning and service.
