
Jill Beckman, Ph.D.
Title/Position
Director, Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Associate Professor
Dr. Jill Beckman is the Director of the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, as well as the DEO and Associate Professor of German.

Jack Doden, Instructional Services Coordinator, Linguistics
Jack has an M.A. in Linguistics with a focus on teaching English as a second language. He desires to enhance student learning experiences in the classroom by incorporating innovative technologies and promoting student identities. He is currently working on a project that aims to introduce virtual reality to UI courses.

Karina Escobedo
Title/Position
Academic Program Management Associate
Course Management for Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Department of Linguistics, Department of German, Latin American Studies Program, and International Studies Program
Graduate Coordinator for Spanish, Spanish Creative Writing, and Linguistics

Meredith Mahy Gall, M.S.
Title/Position
Senior Academic Advisor, Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Meredith Mahy Gall is the senior academic advisor for the Division of World Literatures, Languages, and Cultures (including all world languages, International Studies, linguistics, and translation) and global health studies students.

Dan Junis
Title/Position
ESL Program Coordinator
Dan graduated from the University of Iowa with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Linguistics, with a focus on teaching English as a Second Language. Prior to becoming the ESL Programs Coordinator, Dan taught English Language Learning in Iowa and New York. As the ESL Programs Coordinator, Dan strives to make the English language learning process as comprehensive and accessible as possible for University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff. He manages the English Language Center, Campus Conversation Partners, Teaching Assistant Proficiency in English, and ESL Credit programs.

Gabriella (Gabbie) McDermott, B.A., English
Title/Position
Division Administrator
Gabbie holds a bachelor’s degree in English. She taught English Language Learning in the Clear Creek Amana School District and worked in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Office of the Dean prior to becoming Division Administrator for the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in 2023. Her interests include building sustainable staffing and communication structures; fostering a strong multicultural community; and supporting the Division in its mission to advance interdisciplinary research, artistic creativity, global awareness, and the study of languages, literatures, linguistics, societies, regions, and cultures. She collaborates with the staff team and faculty leadership to facilitate administrative operations and strategic planning.
