Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?
I began my teaching career in Central DeWitt at Ekstrand Elementary School, teaching first grade. We then moved to Ankeny, where I taught first grade at Prairie Trail Elementary School in the Ankeny Community School District. And for the last three years, I have served as a kindergarten teacher and an instructional coach in the Pleasant Valley Community School District. This year, I will serve as building principal at Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa, Iowa.

I ended up at UNI because of the influence of my older brother, Eric. He was joining the program and thought it would be a great idea to work side by side through our educational leadership journey! 

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose to pursue a master's degree at UNI because of the rich history that the school has for developing strong school leaders! 

What’s been your favorite experience at UNI so far?
I've enjoyed connecting with other school leaders through the work within our cohort, and I've enjoyed how UNI's professors are readily available and provide consistent support to their students throughout the entirety of the program. 

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?
UNI has truly played a vital part in developing my abilities as a school leader to make an immediate impact within a school district. 

What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward this degree – and how have you overcome them?
When I started the program, I did not have any children. When I ended the program, I had three! My wife and I adopted two children and had a child of our own during my time with UNI! Having children is an incredible blessing, but I've had to work incredibly hard on developing stronger skills associated with time management. 

We often say UNI is ... 1) student-focused; 2) a place where professors care — and teach; 3) a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom; and 4) is perfectly sized. Do you have an example or experience of how one or more of these statements rings true for you?
Absolutely! I had a question regarding behavior protocols at the elementary building I worked at previously. A professor met with me for an hour to help craft a solution for me and my building teammates. This is an example of how professors care and teach anytime and anywhere!

What advice would you give to students considering coming to UNI?
What are you waiting for?! UNI's Principalship Program provides a rich and engaging learning experience that will leave you a better educator when you leave. 

What three adjectives describe you?
Resilient, creative and hard-working

What do you plan to do with your degree? Or, if you are graduating, do you already know next steps/have a position?
I do have a position! I will be serving as building principal at a Pre K-2nd grade building called Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa, IA.