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 Alex Bentler, the most rewarding part of any job has always been helping people. As an administrative services coordinator for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health (SCSMH) for almost two years, Bentler combines his background in communication and healthcare administration to support clients and the clinicians who serve them in the center’s clinic.  

Housed in the University of Iowa's College of Education , the Scanlan Center combines professional development, clinical services, cutting-edge research, and actionable resources to help schools create supportive learning environments where both students and staff can thrive. The Scanlan Center's clinical services are located in the Blank Honors Center, with services offered virtually and in person.

Bentler graduated from Iowa State University in 2021 with a degree in communication studies, including a semester studying abroad at Lancaster University in England. After graduation, he joined University of Iowa Health Care as a revenue cycle representative in the Emergency Department, where he spent three years assisting patients and families in one of the hospital's busiest environments. There, he discovered his passion for helping people navigate stressful situations, describing it as the “most fulfilling” part of the job. 

In his current role, Bentler manages the clinic's billing processes, including insurance verification, claims submission, payment posting, and client financial support. While much of his work happens behind the scenes, it helps ensure clients can focus on receiving the services they need.  

“All of the clinicians here at the clinic provide exceptional services and help so many people—I am very proud to be a part of this team.” 

What is your favorite part about working at the College of Education?  

My coworkers! They're a lovely bunch of people. 

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

I started at the clinic around the time our contract with the state ended, and we had to start billing using our fee-for-service model, so I've been a part of many meetings navigating this process. I am very proud to be a part of the team that made the transition as smooth as possible. 

What's your favorite memory as a Hawkeye? 

Going to my first Iowa football game at Kinnick with my dad in 2011. It was an ANF game so it was truly special coming from a family of farmers.  

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

Hopefully this is an acceptable answer, but I always look forward to winter break. There's nothing quite like a quiet morning walk on campus with fresh snow on the ground. 

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

Some of my hobbies include watching movies, reading, and especially music. I enjoy playing guitar and singing along in my free time (although my neighbors probably don't). It may come as a surprise that I own a turntable and have roughly 300 records in my collection. 

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

I recently watched the movie Rocky, so boxing sounds fun! 

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

There is a small town in Germany called "Benteler" which is where I get my namesake from. I think it would be neat to visit there and connect with my distant family that still lives in the area. 

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

The book Living in the Woods in a Tree by Sybil Rosen has been a real page-turner. It's partially autobiographical and partially a biography recounting the story of legendary outlaw country artist Blaze Foley. Sybil writes in such a grounded, engaging way, I highly recommend it to those curious about what hippie life was like in the South during the ‘70s. 

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