{Meet the Staff}

Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa. My name is Jean Neibauer and I am the Director of Academic Advising. The office of Academic Advising serves as the academic center for “deciding students” who are exploring majors, students changing majors, and students reassessing their current academic situation. I also serve as the liaison for non-traditional students.

I graduated with a degree in Spanish teaching with a minor in English from Mercy College of Detroit and a Master’s degree in TESOL from UNI. A life-changing experience in college was a service trip to Chiapas, Mexico. This shaped my decision to return to Mexico to work at an orphanage in Cuernavaca.

Purple and Gold are the true colors of Iowa! My name is David Marchesani and I am an advisor for deciding majors and freshman Communication Studies majors, as well as the Career Development Coordinator for Academic Advising. I teach the "Career Decision Making" (POSTSEC 1050) class, serve as the webmaster and podcast developer for the office.

I graduated with a degree in Accounting and Master’s in Student Affairs from UNI. My hobbies include attending UNI volleyball, basketball and football games with my wife and three boys. I love to be outside - cooking out, hitting the bike trails, and coach various sports activities for my boys. Go Panthers!

Welcome to UNI! My name is Anthony Smothers and I advise first-year biology and psychology students. Assisting students' find their passion and make the most of their college experience motivates me. I look forward to working with students in academic advising.

I graduated with a degree in Marketing and Master’s in Higher Education from Drake University. I enjoyed college experiences as a resident assistant, student-athlete in football, internship in the Student Development and Learning Center, and participating in many campus events.

Welcome to Academic Advising! My name is Michele Peck and I advise deciding majors. I work with Peer Academic Advisors in Residence assisting students explore majors, minors, and certificates, and organizing a variety of programs and resources for deciding majors.

I earned degrees in Special Education and School Counseling at the University of Nebraska - Kearney. I really enjoyed my student teaching placements and counseling internship experiences in my programs. I was involved as a resident assistant, in academic clubs, and the National Student Exchange Program.

Welcome! My name is Angie Tudor and I advise the deciding freshmen students. I also assist with programs and events on campus such as Major Meetings, Orientation, Majors in Minutes and Preview UNI.

After earning an AA degree from NIACC, I came in as a transfer student at Northern Iowa and graduated with a degree in Psychology. I continued at UNI to earn a Master's Degree in Student Affairs. I have since enjoyed working in the Student Affairs field with experiences in Advising, Career Services, Orientation and Admissions.

Hello and welcome to Academic Advising! My name is Kimberly Schirm and I advise Social and Behavioral Science freshmen, as well as Deciding students. I also assist in other programs and events on campus such as Orientation, Career Cruising Workshops, and Majors in Minutes.

I graduated with a Master’s degree in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs from UNI. Before coming to UNI, I received my Journalism and Mass Communication degree from the University of Iowa. I find great enjoyment in helping students find their own passions, interests and skills and helping them turn their qualities into a major or career.

Welcome to Panther country! My name is Josh Sankey and I will be working with deciding transfer students. I will also be advising transfer students in the Admissions Partnership Program (APP), where I will be assisting students transition to UNI from surrounding community colleges participating in the program.

I am proud to say that I earned a degree in Communication and Leadership from UNI! While I was a student at UNI, I worked as a Summer Orientation Assistant, Resident Assistant, Student Alumni Ambassador, and participated in many other groups on campus. I then earned my Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Hi! I’m Caitlyn Althoff and I am the Academic Advising graduate assistant in the Office of Academic Advising.

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services. While serving as an undergraduate, I was a Student Admissions Ambassador as well as worked in the University's Admissions office. These two activities made me realize my passion for Student Affairs. I fell in love with UNI and decided to continue my education by pursuing a Master's degree in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs.

Hi! I’m Jane Fritts and I am the departmental secretary for Academic Advising office. I assist with the programs and events sponsored by the office as well as the day-to-day operations of the office. I enjoy working at UNI and love working with our students.

My husband and I are UNI alumni and our son and daughter are currently UNI students.

I am a big Panther Fan and enjoy attending UNI athletic events. I also enjoy traveling, shopping, good movies, spending time with family, friends and of course our granddaughter. I'm also a die-hard Cubs Fan!