Emma Kirk-Alvarez has been with the University of Iowa for 10 years and currently serves as an associate director in the CLAS Advising Network. She is on the leadership team for 30 professional advisors and works closely with new advisors during their onboarding and training. Emma is dedicated to equipping advisors with the resources and knowledge they need to provide excellent support to undergraduate students. 

She holds an MS degree in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Creighton University and a BS degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University.  

Prior to her current role, Emma was a senior academic advisor for the Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics and Actuarial Science Departments. She strives to assist students in capturing the greatest value out of their education, which can be truly transformative. 

Before embarking on a career in higher education, she worked as a livestock nutritionist and agriculture reporter. Originally from the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area, Emma has lived throughout the U.S. Midwest and Southwest. Outside of her career, she enjoys the outdoors – especially hiking and camping. Emma is an avid gardener and keeps her kids, 11-year-old Cooper and 8-year-old Cora, playing out in the dirt and riding bikes.