Joelle Nielsen named director of student well-being

Luther College Dean of Students Julie Thornton announced that Joelle Nielsen, a 2005 Luther graduate and former member of the college’s counseling staff, has been named the college’s director of student well-being.

Joelle Nielsen

A licensed mental health counselor, Nielsen returns to Luther to lead the Nena Amundson Lifetime Wellness Program and serve as the liaison to the Luther Clinic. Most recently, Nielsen was working with Counseling Associates of Northeast Iowa.

“We are thrilled to have Joelle back at Luther,” Thornton said. “Her demeanor and expertise are exactly what we need to grow our student life team and further build momentum on supporting students’ lives at Luther.”

At Counseling Associates, Nielsen managed outpatient mental health counseling for children, adolescents and adults. She also collaborated with the Decorah Community School District to provide school-based counseling.

“I have always loved working with college students and I am so excited to be back at Luther in this role and to be joining the awesome student life team,” Nielsen said.

In her role, Nielsen will serve as the primary mental health information resource to the Luther community. She will manage the relationship with external entities that support Luther students’ health needs, such as the Luther Clinic and Uwill, the college’s student telehealth provider. She will lead a wellness educator team made up of two staff members and multiple student wellness ambassadors. Nielsen will also coordinate and provide one-on-one support for students, partnering with staff in student life and student success, ensuring a sustainable circle of care, and in some cases, serving as a bridge for students seeking in-person or virtual integrated behavioral health.

In her previous role at Luther, Nielsen was a part of the college’s counseling services unit for five years. Completing her master’s degree in community counseling at Minnesota State University, Mankato, she worked for Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health following graduate school.

“Joelle’s past work experiences, particularly her time at Luther, makes her return to us so special. She is a particularly perfect fit for us right now,” Thornton said. “We needed someone to jump right in and hit the ground running. In just one week, Joelle is already making a big impact for Luther students and my team.”

Nielsen joined the student life team on Monday, Dec. 1.

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