Bren Linley is an academic advisor in the Microbiology department. She has two degrees from the University of Iowa (Go, Hawks!) – a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Higher Education. 

Bren has worked in higher education for more than two decades, advising undergraduate students and teaching leadership studies courses. Her strengths are in developing personal connections and creating a welcoming and inclusive community. Pursuing an undergraduate degree can be nerve-wracking, so she likes to use humor to ease tension and make a space for open and productive conversations. Setbacks in academics happen and are serious, so Bren works with students in taking that step back to reset. Failure is not a reason to give up, if you get a flat tire, you don’t slash the other three! 

Bren enjoys reading, playing Fortnite (Victory Royale!) watching irreverent comedies, and making the best popcorn (according to my kids). She grew up on a small farm near Shellsburg, Iowa and has driven tractors, thrown hay bales, and fed calves from a bottle. 

Bren Iooks forward to working with you on your academic journey!