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. 

Patience Duepa-Kannah has always been driven by community. Her work at the Belin-Blank Center as administrative services coordinator combines her passions for education, supporting others, and working with young people.  

Duepa-Kannah received her Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies and Human Relations from the UI College of Education in 2023, but academics weren’t the only thing keeping her busy. As an undergraduate, she worked at University of Iowa Recreational Services, volunteered at University of Iowa Health Care, and eventually interned with the Iowa City Public Library. By the time she graduated, she had a clear vision of what she was looking for in a workplace. 

In her day-to-day work, Duepa-Kannah supports the Belin-Blank Center in administrative work as well as serves on the student programs team that plans academic-year and summer programs for students in grades three through 12. In this role, she helps review applications, coordinate activities, and support program logistics. 

“My path hasn’t been straight, but I’ve had great mentors along the way and learned how to pivot and regroup when needed. I think a lot of that comes from being raised by immigrant parents and watching them adapt, work hard, and build community wherever they were. All of that led me to where I am now, doing work that really aligns with my values.” 

What is your favorite part about working at the Belin-Blank Center? 

The people and our students!  

What’s one project or initiative you’ve enjoyed being part of? 

Being Circles: it gave me the chance to interact with faculty and staff from different departments and hear new perspectives. 

What's your favorite memory as a Hawkeye? 

The Iowa Women's Crossover at Kinnick! game against DePaul. It broke the NCAA single game attendance record and raised money for UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. 

What is something on campus that you look forward to participating in or doing? 

I really look forward to seeing what Hancher Auditorium and theater department seasons bring. I’ve attended so many shows and concerts.  

What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What would colleagues be surprised to know about you? 

I always have a book in my hand, and I recently started working through Madeline Miller’s catalog. I also design my own press-on nails.  

What’s something new you’d like to try or learn? 

Crocheting. I started learning during the pandemic, but it didn’t stick. Hopefully, the second time’s the charm. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

My people were not built for negative temperatures, get me to the Maldives or any of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

What book, movie, or TV show has been keeping your attention lately?

I’m on my fifth rewatch of Fringe, and I’ve been obsessed with Will Trent, High Potential, and all the Love Island series. I’ve also been rereading the Young Adult books I loved as a kid to see if they still hold up. Many of them do, but I still find myself shaking my head at some of the choices these young characters make.  

Visit the Celebrating College of Education staff page to nominate a colleague. Self nominations are also welcome.