IUP Navigators

About the IUP Navigators

Your navigator is a full-time staff member assigned specifically to you.

They are your go-to person. Their goal is to support you so you can succeed at IUP. They also work with your academic advisor to make sure your academic needs are met.

Your navigator will contact you frequently with important resources, dates, deadlines, and reminders to keep you on track toward graduation.

When should you contact your navigator?

• When you have a question. Ask your navigator! If they don’t know the answer, they’ll find the answer.

• When you’re having an issue or running into a barrier. Your navigator is there to resolve issues and help to remove barriers.

• When you’re facing a personal challenge. Your navigator can connect you to the help you need.

• When there's a hold on your account. Your navigator can find out what’s going on and how to lift the hold.

• When you're not sure what office or person to talk to. Your navigator knows IUP inside and out and can point you in the right direction.

Any time you have a question or issue, just ask. It’s that simple.

Brett Berquist

724-357-7562
berquist@iup.edu
Book Time with Brett

Graduate student, Literature and Criticism, PhD
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education, MA
Western Michigan University

English, MA
Clarion University

English, BA and Psychology, BS
Bowling Green State University

From: Massillon, OH

My hope is to aid students in learning about the larger world outside of themselves so that they leave IUP with a stronger sense of the world and how they fit into it.

Fun Fact: I have traveled to multiple countries, including Canada, England, Ireland, France, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Greece, and Hungary.

Emily Briggs

724-357-7559
ebriggs@iup.edu
Book Time with Emily

Sports Management, BS
Health and Wellness, MS
California University of Pennsylvania

From: Washington County, PA

I have 18 years of experience working within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, specifically in collegiate athletic coaching and administration. I currently reside in Indiana with my son, Haris, and dog, Rosie. I love the outdoors, all seasons. First-generation college graduate. Proud member of the Indiana Women’s Flag Football League.

Fun Fact: Attended Winthrop University on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Cal U in 2006. I completed undergrad and grad degrees at Cal while a member of the women’s basketball coaching staff.;

Terra Cravener ’19

724-357-3405
cravener@iup.edu
Book Time with Terra

Child Development and Family Relations, BS
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

From: Shelocta, PA

College offers a unique opportunity for academic, social, and personal growth, and I am looking forward to guiding students as they work to reach their full potential.

Fun Fact: When I was a student at IUP, I participated in the Disney College Program.

Mysti Dinger ’96, ’99

814-939-3336
mysti@iup.edu
Book Time with Mysti

Office Systems in Business, BS
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Student Affairs in Higher Education, MA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

From: Rochester Mills, PA

I have been working at IUP helping students for 24 years now. I love getting to know them and watching them thrive. I have basically been doing the job of a navigator all of these years.

Fun Fact: I love to read and I have set a goal to read 75 books this year. I’m almost done!

Sheila Boyle Gardner

724-357-7582
sheilag@iup.edu
Book Time with Sheila

Business Administration, BS
Bowling Green State University

From: Cleveland, OH

I’m hoping to make the college experience much easier and more enjoyable for our students. I’m looking forward to making students aware of the many resources and opportunities that are available at IUP.

Fun Fact: My two dogs, Clover and Juni, are therapy-dog certified and love to visit students on campus. I love hiking, pickleball, traveling, and reading and was a hang-gliding pilot for 15 years. Also, I lived and worked in Washington, DC, for eight years.

Stella Jarmulowicz ’21, M’21

724-357-7516
stellaj@iup.edu
Book Time with Stella

Criminology, MA
Criminology and Psychology, BA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

From: Denville/West Orange, NJ

I’ve enjoyed working student-centered jobs as an IUP student, orientation leader, peer mentor, and office assistant, and I want to continue helping students as a navigator.

Fun Fact: I love to travel! I have visited 45 out of 50 states and nine countries before I was 20.

Marilyn Kukula ’89

724-357-7579
mkukula@iup.edu
Book Time with Marilyn

Graduate student, Strategic Communication, MS
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Journalism, BA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

From: Indiana, PA

Going to college can be an incredible experience, with new challenges. I want to help students overcome obstacles that get in the way and guide them to resources that help them succeed.

Fun Fact: I love visiting waterfalls and am the mom of two current IUP students and one graduate.

Bryant Pinder ’17

724-357-7541
bpinder@iup.edu
Book Time with Bryant

Child Development and Family Relations, BS
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

From: Philadelphia, PA

My desire is to help students of all backgrounds pivot, explore, and be intentional within the university, which will translate into their next phase of life.

Fun Fact: I have worked with people ages 0 to 99 years old and love musicals and sports.

Bill Zimmerman ’04, ’21

724-357-2620
wjzimmer@iup.edu
Book Time with Bill

Political Science, BA
Kutztown University

Student Affairs in Higher Education, MA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Administration and Leadership Studies, PhD
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

From: Pottsville, PA

I came to college as a first-generation student and didn’t have a clue what to expect or how to work my way through the experience. However, I had several individuals assist me during my undergraduate experience. I want to provide that same support to our students.

Fun Fact: I love attending local trivia events in and around the Indiana community.