The Team

If we all tried to make other people's paths easy, our own feet would have a smooth, even place to walk on.
Myrtle Reed

 

Jill Fishbaugh,

director of external relations

 

"One of the most fascinating aspects of my job is discovering the interesting and diverse career paths our alumni have taken. In addition to these amazing alumni stories, I also enjoy learning about the remarkable work College faculty accomplish that serve our community in so many ways. This commitment to others is what makes working in education so rewarding."

 

As director of the Office of External Relations, Jill Fishbaugh develops,coordinates, and implements strategies to strengthen and maintain positive external relations for The University of Iowa College of Education through effective communications and innovative projects and events. In addition to working with external constituents, she serves as liaison with The University of Iowa Alumni Association, University News Services, University Publications, and University of Iowa Foundation on campus.

  She edits, writes, and coordinates the College's alumni magazine, Education@Iowa, the monthly newsletter, Education First, and the Annual Report. She also produces the College's weekly television programming on UITV and coordinates alumni and legislative events.

 

Elizabeth Everson,

program associate

 

"I enjoy the challenge of trying to find yet another way to use black and gold.

  Seriously, I'm always impressed by the enthusiasm of our students. Our alumni lead fascinating lives driven by their desire to help people and 'walk the walk.'"

 

As program associate for the Office of External Relations, Elizabeth Everson provides developmental and administrative support, as well as integrated marketing expertise. She serves as art director by designing and producing publications and other promotional materials for the College. She coordinates the biannual Teacher Education Convocation, as well as other programs and events.

 

Heather Spangler ,

writer

“As the daughter of a middle school Language Arts teacher, I’ve always known that educators are some of the hardest-working, most passionate people on Earth. That’s why it’s such a treat to serve as a writer for the University of Iowa’s College of Education. I consider it an honor to play a role in making sure people hear about the inspiring, influential work the College’s faculty, students and alumni engage in all around the world.”

 As a writer for the Office of External Relations, Heather Spangler writes features for Education@Iowa, the College’s alumni magazine, as well as for the monthly newsletter, Education First, the Annual Report, and other publications as needed.

 

Lois Gray,

communications specialist

 

“I believe that life-long learning should be part of everyone’s journey. As a writer covering education, I seek to portray the remarkable journeys that others are pursuing in their quest for education – whether it’s educators who will help inspire preschool-age children in Charles City, Iowa, or scholars pursing their Ph.D.s who will make a difference in Cambodian higher education.   Every day, I see the incredible impact that educators have on our lives as we all strive to make a difference in the world. I’ve witnessed it in my own life as I returned to graduate school as a non-traditional student at the UI, and in my children’s lives at Kate Wickham Elementary School. I relish writing stories that highlight the human interest angle and show how educators touch and transform lives -  through their teaching, research, service and creative work. These are stories that I hope will resonate with a diverse range of readers and create not only awareness, but inspire action.”

 

As the College's communications specialist at University News Services, Lois Gray writes important and informative news releases, which bring local and national media attention to the College's activities, events, programs, projects, faculty, students, and alumni.

 

Darryl Borcherding ,

development director

“There are many commonalities among the wide variety of people involved with the UI College of Education. One of the most prevalent is the passion each of us has for helping others grow and achieve.That passion leads to an important emphasis on the work we do each day. I am passionate about making a difference at the College of Education, and so are the students, alumni, faculty and staff of this college.  That’s what makes my job so much fun…seeing that passion in action each and every day.”

As director of development, Darryl Borcherding works with friends and alumni to provide financial support for the College of Education. He is committed to helping friends of the college complete current gifts and future gift plans that fulfill their charitable and personal goals while providing optimal benefit for the college.