Professional Academic Advisors
As advisors, we want to ensure your next steps in your academic career are what’s best for you and your future. Our goal is to equip you with the information you’ll need to achieve your dreams. Answering questions about your four year plan, choosing a new major/minor, determining your study abroad options, making a schedule that juggles work and school, or just a little advice on what classes to pick next - our job is to help.
James Prier
Academic Advisor/Diversity and Inclusion
Office for Professional Distinction / CBB 5
319-273-2144
james.prier@uni.edu
James completed his undergraduate degree in Interactive Digital Studies at UNI. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration at the University of Kansas. James monitors students' academic progress, as well as coordinates, plans, implements, and administers recruitment and retention efforts related to student diversity. Before joining UNI Business, he supported students at the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas and was an Admissions Counselor for UNI. Outside of work, you will find him watching and playing soccer or walking his two golden-doodle puppies with his wife.
Taija Tucker
Professional Academic Advisor & Student Diversity Programs Coordinator
Office for Professional Distinction / CBB 5
319-273-2144
taija.tucker@uni.edu
Taija completed her undergraduate degree in Studio Painting at UNI and later went on to complete her Master of Art in Postsecondary Education in Student Affairs also at UNI. Taija provides academic guidance to undergraduate students in the Office for Professional Distinction within UNI Business. She monitors students' academic progress, as well as coordinates, plans, implements, and administers recruitment and retention efforts related to student diversity. When Taija isn’t working, she enjoys reading, painting, cooking for friends and family, and traveling as much as she can.
Tyler Hospodarsky
Academic Advisor/Recruiter
Office for Professional Distinction / CBB 5
319-273-2144
hospodat@uni.edu
Tyler completed his undergraduate degree at UNI and is currently working on his master degree at UNI. Tyler provides academic guidance to College of Business students within the Office of Professional Distinction. Along with academic advising, Tyler also leads recruitment initiatives and Advising Workshops within the College of Business. His interest in higher education sparked from being an ambassador while an undergraduate at UNI. During his first year of graduate school, he worked with students from all different capacities, but had an emphasis on first-year students. You can find Tyler golfing, watching the Chicago Cubs, or spending time with his friends and family when he isn’t working.
Jen Rust
Academic Advisor
Office for Professional Distinction / CBB 5
319-273-2144
jen.rust@uni.edu
Jen completed her undergraduate degree in Management: Business Administration at UNI. She studied abroad in Florence, Italy where she studied Sports and Event Management. Jen is currently in her second year of the Master of Art Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs program at UNI. As an advisor in the Office for Professional Distinction, she provides academic guidance to College of Business students and advises students interested in studying abroad. Her interest in higher education stems from an advisor she had in the College of Business during her undergraduate studies at UNI. Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with friends and family, following her brother's racing program, attending country concerts, traveling as much as she can, and spoiling her golden retriever, Lyla.
Yi Cheng
Professional International Advisor & SDJU Liaison
Office for Professional Distinction / CBB 5
319-273-2144
yi.cheng@uni.edu
Provide academic guidance to Shanghai Dianji University (SDJU) students, international students, and other students in each of the major areas of business studies. Act as a liaison between administrators at SDJU and UNI. Support the internationalization strategy of UNI Business. Support recruitment of international business students from partner institutions. Develop programs of study for incoming international students in UNI Business.
Yi Cheng works with all students from China.
