Johnnie Sims has been affiliated with New Dimensions in Learning in varying positions since 1987 and the director since 2002. She earned her doctorate in student development from the University of Iowa and has been an adjunct assistant professor with the student development department since 1997.In addition to being an advocate for TRIO students and programs, she is interested in diversity matters in higher education. She enjoys gardening, collecting frogs and do -it-yourself home improvement planning and projects.

Cathy Colony Bunnell is a native of the Iowa City area, was a first-generation student and received two degrees from The University of Iowa – Master’s in Counselor Education/Student Development and Bachelor’s in Sociology.  Previously the Tutor Coordinator for NDIL, she is currently the Project Assistant Director for NDIL/TRiO Student Support Services.

For over 15 years, Cathy has been passionate about helping students reach their goals through activities that empower them to develop skills for now and the future.

Cathy and her husband enjoy a menagerie of pets – a dog, chickens, ducks, goats and cats and providing habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

Carolyn is new to the TRiO family. She received her BA from The University of Texas at Austin and an MFA from The University of Iowa. Carolyn enjoys sharing information, stories and experiences with students to promote academic excellence. A native of Texas, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and border collie.

Brooke Paulsen is the Tutor Coordinator.  She is a 2007 graduate of The University of Iowa's Student Development in Postsecondary Education MA program (Go Hawks!).  Brooke earned her BA in Psychology and Political Communication from the University of Northern Iowa.  She is looking forward to working with the tutors this year, and working hard to fill all tutoring requests.  In her spare time, Brooke likes to read, paint, and spend time on her family's farm.

Kristi Murphy is the secretary for New Dimensions In Learning. She has a degree in business management from Central College. Kristi has been with NDIL since 1993 and enjoys meeting all the new students who come by the office. She is the UI Wellness Ambassador for the office and is a dedicated fitness guru who has participated in many wellness activities over the years.

Thomas began his career with NDIL by accident. Responding to an add for a "person with Macintosh experience", he did not know what to expect. Well it's been 5 years now, and he still seems happy. Thomas received his BFA from The University of Iowa in design and is responsible for NDIL's marketing pieces; flyers, programs, eNewsletter, website...... You get the picture.

In his 'free' time Thomas enjoys racing mt. bikes and buying Apple gadgets.