Celine Fender

Celine D. Fender is a higher education professional with extensive experience in student affairs, academic support, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She earned her Master of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Iowa, where she also completed her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communication Studies. She is currently going into her 6th year as a PhD candidate in HESA at Iowa. 

Her career spans roles in academic advising, student-athlete support, residence life, and cultural programming. At the University of Iowa, she has served in positions supporting faculty, staff, and students in the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies department, University of Iowa’s Liberal Arts Behind Bars program, as well as mentoring student-athletes through academic transitions and personal development. Beyond campus, she has worked with the African American Museum of Iowa to expand community outreach and education, and she has coordinated summer programs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas.