Academic Advisors
As advisors, we want to ensure your next steps in your academic career are what’s best for you and your future. Our goal is to equip you with the information you’ll need to achieve your dreams. Answering questions about your four year plan, choosing a new major/minor, determining your study abroad options, making a schedule that juggles work and school, or just a little advice on what classes to pick next ... our job is to help.
Leading the Way
Jenny Connolly leads the CATS team as director of advising. Formally, she oversees all the interactions that all our professional academic advisors -- and joins in as well! (You'll see her everywhere!) She is laser-focused on creating experiences along your journey that meet your needs. Her expertise in working with students in a university setting combined with her passion for (and knowledge of) all things UNI make her a great resource for all.
Support for All
Have a form to turn in? Not sure where to start? Need a quick check-in with your advisor? Ryan Scholl, secretary III, helps you get connected and find answers.
Ryan completed her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology at the University of Northern Iowa. She enjoys being a part of the UNI's legacy of preparing the future educators and change-makers of the world.
Phone: 319-273-2751
Email: ryan.scholl@uni.edu
Office location: SEC 151
Barbara Gager
Phone: (319) 273-2997
Email: barbara.gager@uni.edu
Office Location: Schindler 151-G
Barbara completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary/early childhood education and her master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of Northern Iowa. Barbara became an academic advisor because she loves to help students achieve their goals and dreams by advocating for them. She chose the UNI College of Education because of her educational and professional background in education and her love for UNI. Fun fact: Barbara is an avid biker and loves to ride on the trails in the Cedar Valley.
Barbara works with early childhood, elementary and middle level education majors with last names A-E.
Amber Dullard
Phone: (319) 273-4971
Email: amber.dullard@uni.edu
Office Location: Schindler 151
Amber holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish education (K-12) and master's in postsecondary education: student affairs from University of Northern Iowa. Her career experience as a teacher and as an advisor who worked with education majors via study abroad advising and academic advising reinforced her interest in the College of Education at UNI. She enjoys making connections with students and helping the field of education grow.
Amber works with early childhood, elementary and middle level education majors.
Meredith Pecinovsky
Phone: (319) 273-2751
Email: meredith.pecinovsky@uni.edu
Office Location: SEC 151
Meredith completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Wartburg College. She then completed her master’s degree in college student personnel administration at Marquette University. Meredith became an academic advisor because of her love for seeing students overcome challenges and reach their goals. Meredith loves working with education students because she enjoys seeing their passion and excitement for learning. Fun fact: Meredith enjoys completing DIY house projects.
Meredith works with early childhood, elementary and middle level education majors with last names L-S.
Mike Tate
Phone: 319-273-6722
Email: mike.tate@uni.edu
Office Location: SEC 151
Mike holds a bachelor's in math education from University of Central Oklahoma and a master's in postsecondary education: student affairs from University of Northern Iowa. He spent six years teaching high school math before making the leap to higher education. He loves mentoring and guiding students, now using his skills to focus on life and academics with his students.
Mike works with recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership and Online Transfer Program (2+2) and Purple Pathway for Paraeducators elementary education programs.