Vannessa Killen joined the College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ academic advising team in July 2024. She is excited to use her skills to advise students on meeting and exceeding their educational goals. 

Although new to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Killen has worked extensively with students. She was a high school choir teacher at Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a teaching assistant at Tufts University. In addition to teaching, she acted as an unofficial advisor for her students and ensured they had everything they needed to thrive in her classes and those in other subjects.

Killen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Gettysburg College, where she graduated cum laude and a Master of Arts in Music (Musicology) from Tufts University. 

Her advice to students is to try new experiences. College is a time for learning and growth, and pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone will help you grow as a person. In addition, never be afraid to ask for help. Advisors, professors, and university staff want to see you succeed and are always willing to lend a hand if you need one. 

In her words, Killen is a nerd. She loves musical theatre, board and video games, and escape rooms. In her free time, you can find her baking, playing Dungeons and Dragons and spending time with family and friends.