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Office of Academic Advising

Office of Academic Advising

Staff Directory

	Dr. Anthony Smothers, Academic Advisor anthony.smothers@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Business Administration; Marketing Undergraduate Institution: Drake University Graduate Program: Masters of Science in Education; College Administration, Doctorate of Education; Human Services Graduate Institution: Drake University (MSE), University of Northern Iowa Student populations served: First-year Biology and Technology Students Favorite Food on Campus: Bacon Cheeseburger Advice to Students: Take risks and be engaged with faculty, students and staff by participating in student organizations, research, experiential learning, service and experiences to holistically grow as a person.
	David Marchesani, Director david.marchesani@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Accounting Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Graduate Program: Postsecondary Education, Student Affairs Graduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Student Populations Served: Any student who needs assistance in exploring their academic / career options Favorite Food on Campus: Stir Fry made to order at Wok Advice to Students: Be present, intentional and purposeful with your UNI experience. Seek self-knowledge and take personal ownership for your decisions. Find community and belonging to the UNI community through formal and informal ways. Be open to others’ stories and experiences - listen to understand and learn. Be actively engaged in creating your own personal successes and unique UNI story.
	Heather Asmus, Academic Advisor / Co-Supervisor PAiRs heather.asmus@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: English, Minor in Professional Writing Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Graduate Program: Postsecondary Education, Student Affairs Graduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Student Populations Served: Deciding and first-year Criminology, Social Work, Geography, Political Science, and History non-teaching students Favorite Food on Campus: Bread sticks Advice to students: Your attitude is one thing YOU CAN control. If you are in a rut, change your perspective, and never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep.
	Jane Fritts, Secretary jane.fritts@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Elementary Education, Emphasis: Math, Social Sciences Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Favorite Food on Campus: cheesy vegetable soup, black bean soup, cranberry oatmeal cookies Favorite Spot on Campus: McLeod Center Advice to Students: Try new things! Take advantage of all the things this campus has to offer. Always do you best! Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
	Michele Peck, Assistant Director/Advising Development michele.peck@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Special Education Teaching Favorites: Favorite get-away close to campus: George Wyth State Park via the Cedar Valley bike trails. A great place to take a study break, relax and enjoy nature! Advice to Students: Challenge yourself to make the most of your time in college....get out of your comfort zone! Try ice climbing, take part in a volunteer opportunity in the community, participate in National Student Exchange, or get to know someone from another culture or background than you. There are so many opportunities all around you, and it will never be this easy again to try something new. You'll be glad you did!
	Jennifer Fitzgerald, Academic Advisor jennifer.fitzgerald@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Studio Art- Graphic Design Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Graduate Program: Postsecondary Education, Student Affairs Graduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Student Populations Served: Deciding and first-year Communication Studies majors Favorite Spot on Campus: The courtyard between Strayer-Wood and Kamerick & CAC Advice to Students: The minute you step out of your ‘comfort zone’, a world of possibility awaits. You will later regret all the things you never did, so try to do as much as you can, while you can. Make every day count because, “There is no security in life, only opportunity.” - Mark Twain
	Christen Brodbeck, Graduate Assistant brodbecc@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Communication Studies, Minor in Public Relations Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Graduate Programs: Postsecondary Education, Student Affairs Graduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Student Populations Served: Deciding students Favorite Food on Campus: Amazing Salad and bread sticks Advice to Students: Time management skills should never be underestimated and Netflix is not always your friend. Google Calendar and Google Keep can make your life significantly more organized. Make sure to get involved in one academic group and one 'fun' group on campus. Never believe that you are too young to apply for leadership roles!
	Angie Tudor, Academic Advisor / Career Development Coordinator angie.tudor@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Psychology, Minor in Sociology Undergraduate Institutions: NIACC (AA), University of Northern Iowa (BA) Graduate Program: Postsecondary Education, Student Affairs Graduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Student Population Served: Deciding and first-year Communication Disorder students Favorite Food on Campus: Quesadilla Fridays! Favorite Spot on Campus: Lang Rocking Chairs
	Lacy Knipper, Academic Advisor / Co-Supervisor PAiRs lacy.knipper@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Journalism & Mass Communication - Electronic Media Studies; minors in Psychology and English Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University Graduate Program: Master of Education in Higher Education - Student Affairs Graduate Institution: Iowa State University Student Populations Served: Deciding and first-year Psychology students Favorite Spot on Campus: Adirondack chairs on a nice fall day Advice for students: Take ownership of your education - and put it to good use! Find people and resources on campus that will support you in your work toward your goals and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. Learn as much as you can in and outside the classroom, and make a commitment to continue this learning beyond graduation!
	Rachel Ruane, Academic Advisor / Transfer Coordinator rachel.ruane@uni.edu Undergraduate Major: Sociology and Communication Studies, minor in French Studies Undergraduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Graduate Program: Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs Graduate Institution: University of Northern Iowa Student Populations Served: Allied Health majors (including nursing, sonography, and radiography), Admissions Partnership Program (APP) students, and transfer Deciding majors Favorite Food on Campus: Panther Paw Cookies! Hobbies: Finding a good story in books and movies, cheering on the Panthers, and going on walks with my dog, Grady! Advice to Students: Don't stop until you're proud. Proud of your work. Proud of your impact. Proud of your story. (AND wash your hands, germs are everywhere).