Academic advising rooted in his own experiences

Zack Bonner understands the challenges of starting college, and he's using that experience to guide students with confidence and clarity. 

Raised in Burlington, Bonner went from classrooms of 20 to lecture halls of hundreds when he arrived at Iowa State as a first-generation college student. That transition -- and the challenges that came with it -- sparked a lifelong mission: help students find their footing early and thrive throughout their academic journey.

Today, Bonner is an academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), guiding students in pre-professional programs (pre-law and pre-health), psychology, political science, biology and biochemistry. He also teaches orientation courses and a revitalized pre-law seminar, which he now co-leads. He said his work is grounded in empathy, active listening and an understanding of the challenges that could leave first-generation students behind.

"I've been able to continually develop and refine both my teaching style and academic advising philosophy as I've progressed through all of these roles," Bonner said. "Due in part to my own background, I feel an inherent sense of pride and responsibility to help each new generation of students find their own measure of success."

For his dedicated service to students, Bonner is a 2025 recipient of the Award for Early Achievement in Academic Advising.

A helping hand

Bonner's impact begins the moment students step on campus. He led the development of an orientation course syllabus and learning outcomes aimed at improving retention and building community. He's currently designing a new LAS orientation class that all students in the college will complete.

"The liberal arts background is super helpful because it teaches you to be flexible and connected," Bonner said. "It's never boring."

His advising style is rooted in the lessons he learned working as a behavioral specialist in a hospital psychiatric unit. There, he discovered the power of patience, empathy and listening -- skills he said he uses now to support students through both triumphs and setbacks.

"Over the last couple years, I've had students come in when life is going great, and other times when they're at their worst," he said. "I thrive in those moments. I want to be their solid foundation while they work through the problem."

Bonner's desire to help first-generation students extends beyond the classroom. He's currently writing a book, "First-Generation Success in Higher Education." He called it a "how-to manual" filled with practical advice, worksheets and insights on navigating college life -- from understanding syllabi and office hours to managing finances and decoding academic acronyms.

"I want to make it so future generations of first-gen students don't have to deal with those things alone," Bonner said. "If you don't have that background, you just don't know what those terms mean. I figured it out on my own -- but students shouldn't have to.”

According to the FirstGen Forward Network, first-generation students make up 54% of college enrollees in the United States. Bonner's story -- and his willingness to share it -- resonates with those navigating higher education for the first time.

Due in part to my own background, I feel an inherent sense of pride and responsibility to help each new generation of students find their own measure of success.

-- Zack Bonner, academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Team player

Bonner earned bachelor's and master's degrees in both psychology and political science from Iowa State, and recently completed a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Alabama, where his research focused on political psychology and misinformation. He returned to Iowa, proposed under the campanile and married in the south end zone of Jack Trice Stadium -- with Cy in attendance. He lives in Ames with his wife, Alex, daughters Kennedy and Norah, and two dogs. 

"Zack is a quick learner and goes the extra step to educate himself about a topic and then becomes a resource for other advisors across the college," said Jennifer Owens, director of student services for LAS. "He is a tremendous team player -- always willing to help where and when needed."

For example, he'll be the one to volunteer to cover duties for a colleague who's out of the office or for a special project, she said.

Bonner's students also consistently give him top marks in evaluations, praising his welcoming presence, respectful communication and ability to make them feel seen and supported. He treasures the letters he receives from graduates who share where life has taken them.

"From orientation to commencement, I love seeing that development," he said. "It's my ambition to support every student in discovering their potential, overcoming challenges, and ultimately finding success -- just as I did."