First-Generation Faculty & Staff Directory

Being first-generation is an experience shared by students, faculty, and staff across Drake University. Explore this directory to connect with faculty and staff who were also first-generation college students.

First-Generation Faculty & Staff
Name	Department	Email
Jill Allen	College of Arts and Sciences	jill.allen@drake.edu
Hope Bibens	Cowles Library	hope.bibens@drake.edu
Kelly Bruhn	School of Journalism and Mass Communication	kelly.bruhn@drake.edu
Michael Couvillon	School of Education	michael.couvillon@drake.edu
Ann Cravero	College of Arts and Sciences	ann.cravero@drake.edu
Kelley Ellis	Zimpleman College of Business	kelley.ellis@drake.edu
Crystal Fierro-Galbraith	Enrollment and Management Services	crystal.fierrogalbraith@drake.edu
Lindsay Gilbert	School of Journalism and Mass Communication	lindsay.gilbert@drake.edu
Adrien Halliez	College of Arts and Sciences	adrien.halliez@drake.edu
Anisa Hansen	Academic Affairs	anisa.hansen@drake.edu
Alejandro Hernandez	Zimpleman College of Business	alejandro.hernandez@drake.edu
Jeff Kappen	Zimpleman College of Business	jeffrey.kappen@drake.edu
Nicholas Kavanaugh	College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	nicholas.kavanaugh@drake.edu
John Kippes	Bright College	john.kippes@drake.edu
Olga Lazareva	College of Arts and Sciences	olga.lazareva@drake.edu
Amy Letter	College of Arts and Sciences	amy.letter@drake.edu
Annie Matte	School of Education	annie.matte@drake.edu
Preston Miller	Sponsord Programs Administration & Research Compliance (SPARC)	preston.miller@drake.edu
Brandi Miller	Financial Aid Student Financial Planning	brandi.l.miller@drake.edu
Clayton Mitchell	Information Technology Services	clayton.mitchell@drake.edu
Alanah Mitchell	Zimpleman College of Business	alanah.mitchell@drake.edu
Michael Nelson	College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	michael.nelson@drake.edu
Timm Pilcher	School of Journalism and Mass Communications	timm.pilcher@drake.edu
Joanna Stankiewicz	Cowles Library	joanna.stankiewicz@drake.edu
Brian Sweeney	Zimpleman College of Business	brian.sweeney@drake.edu
Christine Urish	College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	christine.urish@drake.edu
Maria Valdovinos	College of Arts and Sciences	maria.valdovinos@drake.edu
Neil Ward	College of Arts and Sciences	neil.ward@drake.edu
Annette Watson	Advising and Career Services	annette.watson@drake.edu

What Is Your Best Piece of Advice for First-Generation Students?

Hope Bibens

Dean of Cowles Library

The biggest piece of advice I would give to other first generation students would be to find a mentor, build a genuine relationship with çhat person, and stay in touch. Some of the most insightful advice I have ever received came from mentors. Other than that, I would say don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – whether it’s studying abroad or taking a job in a new place after graduation, give it a try.

What Does Being First-Generation Mean to You?

Jill Allen

Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives, College of Arts & Sciences and Associate Professor of Psychology

To me, first-generation college status means the ability to use my voice and role at Drake to give back to my family, community, and friends to create lasting positive impact.

What Is Your Best Piece of Advice for First-Generation Students?

Nicholas Kavanaugh

Director of Student Affairs, CPHS

One piece of advice I would give is to embrace your opportunities and community. Find something to get involved in. Go to the athletic event. Schedule the appointment with your advising specialist, faculty mentor, or other support staff. There is always something happening, and there are a lot of people here to help you be successful.