The staff spotlight series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the UI College of Education such a special place to work. This spotlight recognizes the critical contributions our staff members make to the College of Education community in support of our faculty and students.
Throughout her time working, volunteering, and parenting, education has always been the constant in Kate Fox’s life. Her decades of experience led her to the UI REACH program four years ago, where she now serves as student support specialist.
Fox’s passion for education is evident. Five years after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, she founded First Step Dance Studio in 1993. She eventually operated three locations while instructing and choreographing. She spent decades volunteering and freelancing for high school fine arts programs and local theater. As a mother, Fox ran a fine arts Montessori-style preschool in her home.
Her experience working with community members, families, and youth of all ages prepared her for her unique position at REACH. UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is a comprehensive transition program in the UI College of Education for college-age students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities.
As student support specialist, Fox works with students in the program to develop their social emotional and communication skills. She covers everything from conflict resolution to mindfulness, supporting students from orientation to graduation. While at UI, she has added Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), Person Centered Planning, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) certifications to her extensive experience with youth and families.
What is your favorite part about working at the College of Education?
The freedom to create unique programming to meet students' emotional needs.
What's your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
Participating in the Homecoming parade with UI REACH and photo ops with Herky at UI REACH functions.
What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What would colleagues be surprised to know about you?
I am in three music ensembles and enjoy yoga, volunteering, and outdoor concerts.
Where is your favorite place to eat in downtown Iowa City?
Oasis
What is something on campus that you look forward to participating in or doing?
Utilizing a campus recreation/wellness membership
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Portugal
What book, movie, or TV show has been keeping your attention lately?
All media by Dr. Joe Dispenza on the healing power of well-sculpted meditation.
Visit the Celebrating College of Education staff page to nominate a colleague. Self nominations are also welcome.