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.
Anne Sparks has worked as a Coordinator of Graduate Student Admissions & Success in the College of Education Administration Dean's Office for three years.
What does your job entail in the College of Education Administration Dean's Office?
I get to work with our graduate students throughout their entire College of Education journey. I first get to know our students during the admissions process and then continue to support them throughout all of their degree milestones, including graduation.
What is your favorite part about working at the College of Education?
Education people are my people. I am a former high school teacher, AND a graduate of the Higher Education and Student Affairs Master of Arts program, so working in the College of Education feels like home to me.
What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
It's hard to choose just one. I have fantastic memories of outings with my cohort in grad school – bowling, haunted houses, sushi, wine tastings, costume parties. I also love how my 5-year-old gets to hang out with javelins and birds of prey during our yearly, August picnic. Great life skills: if he can dodge a javelin, he can dodge a dodgeball.
What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What would colleagues be surprised to know about you?
I love history and genealogy, and a bunch of other weirdly, niche subjects. I think water just tastes like spit, so why drink it? Hot take, I know. I consider myself an introvert and love spending time by myself.
Where is your favorite place to eat in downtown Iowa City?
My favorite place is anywhere I've never been, but some old standbys are: One Twenty Six, Orchard Green, The Bluebird Cafe, and The Airliner.
What is something on campus that you look forward to participating in or doing?
I very much enjoy our college gatherings that involve food. It's one of my favorite ways to catch up with colleagues.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? (No limitations)
Probably Greece, because it's just bathed in history and beauty. My wife's great uncle is also buried somewhere near the Parthenon, so it would be fun to look him up.
Visit the Celebrating College of Education staff page to nominate a colleague. Self nominations are also welcome.
