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. 

For Paige Carlson, creativity and business have always gone hand in hand. As an administrative services coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center, Carlson blends both passions to support students, educators, and colleagues across the center. 

Carlson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Integrated Studio Arts from Iowa State University in 2023 before beginning a career in banking. After moving to Iowa City with her sister in 2024, she joined the Belin-Blank Center in a role that she chose for its business and creative opportunities. Today, she is pursuing a second bachelor's degree in accounting at the University of Iowa, with plans to get her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and Master of Business Administration in the future. 

In her day-to-day work, Carlson supports programs like the Iowa Online Advanced Placement Academy, which provides free access to nearly 30 online advanced courses for Iowa students who do not have access to these courses in their schools. She also supports the Professional Development team and a variety of administrative, financial, and human resources functions. Her role is wide-ranging and well-suited to her “jack-of-all-trades" skillset, from artist to administrator. 

What is your favorite part about working at the Belin-Blank Center in the College of Education?  

I love being a part of the SoWell Committee and my amazing coworkers.  

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

I love working on various projects for SoWell and planning for our Belin-Blank Advanced Learner Institute (B-BALI)! 

What's your favorite memory as a Hawkeye? 

I love homecoming here; it's always a special time.  

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

I am looking forward to completing my accounting degree.  

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

I am really into music; I love almost all genres. I am mostly into indie, grunge metal/rock music. However, I will still listen to some good pop music as I feel that pop music is back. I am extremely into walking, and I take my daily walking very seriously.  

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

I want to be a guitarist in a local rock band, but I only want to play lead guitar. I am so terrible at it and do not practice enough.  

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

I would go to Cape Elizabeth in Maine. I want to bring my canvasses there and paint like Monet. 

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

I love Studio Ghibli films; I love Ponyo the most. I keep watching the Couples Therapy show as well. 

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