A Stop and Chat with New NWP Coordinator April Schaefer
Thursday, January 16, 2025

NWP Welcomes New Program Coordinator April Schaefer

NWP Coordinator

 

The Nonfiction Writing Program welcomed a new full-time staff member  to the community—and building—this fall. Meet admin coordinator April  Schaefer whose office you’ll find on the second floor of the NWP House. 

 

NWP: How do you like working in a building full of essayists? What has surprised you so far?

 

April Schaefer: I am very honored I get the opportunity to be a part of the  Nonfiction Writing Program and work with the incredible faculty and students here. Everyone has been so welcoming and wonderful to be  around, and I am looking forward to all the amazing experiences ahead. I  can’t say anything has surprised me so far, I am just happy it didn’t take  long to feel at home and that I am surrounded by positive and thoughtful  people within the NWP, along with everyone I have met in the English  Department.

 

NWP: What were you doing before joining the NWP community?

AS: Before I joined the NWP community, I was the Assistant Director/Competition Director at The Dance Academy of Cedar Rapids. For almost 20 years I helped run the business, organized, and facilitated the studio’s competition program, and taught a variety of styles of dance classes.

 

NWP: I understand you have a background in dance, which is very cool. Tell us about it.

AS: I started dancing at age three and knew I always wanted it to be a part of my life. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a BFA in dance and starting teaching right after. Although I have changed careers, I am happy to continue my passion for the arts on a different path and returning to the U of I has been wonderful!

 

NWP: What is one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?

AS: I am very shy when I first meet people and then after I know someone well, I become very outgoing. The people in my life who know me the best would be surprised to hear I could ever be reserved!

 

NWP: You’re at a dinner party with three other people (anyone, alive or dead, throughout history). Who is at your table and why?

AS: There are three close family members who I never got the honor to meet. My grandmother and grandfather on my mother’s side and my grandfather on my father’s side. I grew up learning such wonderful things about them and hearing fun stories from my parents. Having the opportunity to talk with them at the dinner table would be an amazing experience.

 

NWP: What do you look forward to most in the coming year?

AS: My son will be 14 this summer and heading into high school next fall. I am excited to watch him play baseball, run track, and do all the things he loves, while also planning for his future. I am thankful I will get the opportunity to be a part of all his activities.

 

Contact April at April-Schaefer@uiowa.edufor all things NWP. Previous program coordinators Sanjna Singh and Corey Campbell have moved on to other opportunities and warmer (though rainier) locales.