Amy Tucker ’10, Fayette

Sometimes, the minor things become the major things. That could be said about Amy Tucker, who had a minor in leadership at Wartburg but would come to be known for just that characteristic in her career and community. Through service and leadership, Tucker strives to strengthen those around her, whether it is supporting college students or leading programs in her northeast Iowa town.

After graduating from Wartburg College in 2010 with a degree in community sociology, she never left the realm of higher education. Tucker went on to study educational leadership and policy studies at Iowa State University, earning a master’s degree in 2012. Her heart for assisting students found expression in her work as a graduate assistant with Destination Iowa State, a welcome program for the university’s new students. In 2012, she was named the Outstanding Graduate Student in the region by the National Orientation Directors Association.

Her career in higher education brought her to Upper Iowa University in Fayette, where she became director of student activities in 2012. In that role, she developed a diverse offering of student activities and managed more than 30 college clubs and organizations. In 2015, she became the director of academic success at Upper Iowa, overseeing efforts to support students in meeting their academic goals and chairing the school’s early alert program, a perfect blend of leadership and service on campus.

One nominator writes, “Amy is a fierce advocate for supporting vulnerable students, overseeing the emergency fund for students at Upper Iowa who have unforeseen costs that arise during the academic year. Amy often stays late to meet with students and is diligent in planning programs and events to reach the growing diverse population of student needs.” In recognition of her work for students, the Iowa Student Personnel Association awarded Tucker its Outstanding New Professional Award in 2015.

Tucker’s leadership and service extend into the Fayette community, as well. She helped start the Fayette Community Garden, is a member of Friends of the Fayette Community Library, volunteers with the local mentoring program for at-risk youth and the Fayette Recreation Board, and helps organize volunteers for park beautification during Fayette Appreciation Day. In 2017, Tucker was tapped to fill an open city council seat, and in 2017 and 2019 she won re-election to that post, where she uses her platform to improve her community. She was awarded the Fayette Mayor’s Award for her work in implementing the community garden.

Writes another nominator: “I am so proud of Amy’s willingness to try new things in her career and in her community. Her character and actions exemplify the Wartburg mission — her life is meaningful through her leadership and service, and she is never afraid to trust her faith or continue to learn from others.”