Glee Club Council

The Glee Club Council is a select group of leaders representing the Glee Club membership who coordinate recruitment, tours, social media, merchandise, and provide extra service to the Glee Club as needs arise.  

2026 Glee Club Council

Chairman of the Council - Ethan Ver Helst, Elementary Ed, Ankeny, IA

Head of Social Media - Ian Shelton, Interactive Digital Studies, Harlan, IA

Head of Recruitment - Mitchell Duesing, Math Ed, Marion, IA

Head of Social Activities - Jack Noehren, Biochemistry & Biology, Cedar Rapids, IA

Head of Traditions - Jack Buser, Digital Media Production, Lone Tree, IA

Head of Finance - Alex Oswald, Accounting & Finance, Monticello, IA

Head of Music - Grant Behrens, History and Secondary Education, Fort Dodge, IA

Head of Merchandise & Apparel- Parker Sjomeling, Math Ed, Delano, MN

Head of Tours- Nathan Buelow, Psychology, Center Point, IA

Glee Club Director

The director of the UNI Varsity Glee Club, John Wiles, grew up in the Arizona desert. He began taking piano lessons from his mother at a young age, but always dreamed of playing professional basketball for the Phoenix Suns. When it became clear that basketball was not a viable employment option, he moved to Texas to study music in college. Throughout his education, John studied under patient and wise teachers. He and his wife, Amy, met as freshman in college and John has spent every day since their first date trying to be a loving partner. In 2010 he came to teach at the University of Northern Iowa and is grateful for every moment. (Well, almost every moment.) The university, along with the students, alum, his colleagues, and the Les Hale Endowment Fund Board, support him in a myriad of professional and personal ways. When not at the university, John likes to spend his time shooting hoops with his two children, Ruthie and Tommo, who fill him with boundless joy.

(Visit choirs.uni.edu/our-faculty if you'd like to read about his college degrees and professional achievements.)