Academic Year Only

Ioanna Kipourou builds relationships with campus partners to support student engagement in the First Year Research Experience FYRE) and Gilman Scholarship, develops outreach materials and events to promote learning about fellowship and research opportunities, and provides personalized strategies and resources for student goal-setting and success. 

You can call me:  
Ioanna (she/her)

My academic or professional journey: 
I earned my  B.A. in English Language & Literature and M.A. in American Literature & Culture at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and participated in study abroad programs and research projects in Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands. I also completed a certificate in Teaching Greek as a Second Language. I have several years of previous service at the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, in teaching and research in the fields of English, African American & African Studies, Comparative Studies, and Narrative Studies. As of Fall 2024, I am part of the Educational Administration - Student Affairs Administration program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Where I call home: 
Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece. A unique city blending ancient myths and modern charm – a colorful chaos of people and cultures.  

My favorite hobby: 
I love gardening, swimming, and learning about the fascinating world of marine life! With my friends, I love trying out new recipes in the kitchen and exploring coffee shops around the city together.  

A person/place/thing/idea that has had great influence on my life: 
I have so many people to be grateful for in my life! Some have played a significant role in my professional journey so far, but I believe that it is the support and guidance of family, friends, and a network of mentors and peers that truly propels me forward. My family has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation, offering a listening ear and a helping hand whenever I needed it. My friends have also been instrumental in providing a sense of camaraderie and shared experience, which has helped me navigate the ups and downs of life. My career development has been a mix of learning from taking risks and creating my own opportunities to achieve my goals. For me, that meant taking a leap of faith and pursuing a career change that was both exciting and terrifying. But it also meant being willing to step outside my comfort zone, moving to several different countries, learning new languages and exploring new cultures. Interacting with people and sharing  meaningful experiences with them has had a profound impact on who I am today.