Frances is from Lansing, Michigan, where her previous job was collections archivist for the Archives of Michigan. She studied history and German at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and received a Master of Library and Information Science and a Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit. As of this summer, she is also a certified archivist through the Academy of Certified Archivists.

As an archivist starting at the university, Frances looks forward to preserving women’s history at IWA. She worked with other women’s organizations, including the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, and is excited to dig into the history of Iowa women as she gets to know her new state.

“My favorite thing about being an archivist is knowing that my work directly contributes to solving someone’s information need, whether that need is academic, professional, or personal,” says Frances. 

When not at work, you can expect Frances to be working in her vegetable garden or listening to history podcasts. Newly married, Frances and her husband are also excited to explore Iowa by taking lots of road trips and traversing some fantastic hiking trails. Got a spot to recommend? Be sure to let Frances know when you see her in the archives!