A Destination University
We began this journey with a bold vision: to establish the University of Iowa as the top choice for the next group of talented students, faculty, and staff. Guided by our strategic plan, we have called on the entire UI community to help carry out this mission, and our efforts are already producing remarkable results.
Through more than 150 initiatives driven by collaborations across campus, we are building on the university's strengths in research and scholarship, fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. These efforts are helping us reach new heights in retention and graduation rates, research growth, and health care impact.
While we are proud of what we have accomplished so far, this is just the beginning. Together we will continue to enhance the University of Iowa’s standing as one of the most distinguished public universities in the country.
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
We are proud to share the remarkable progress the University of Iowa is making across all five priorities of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. We have already surpassed several key targets for 2027, including those for retention rates, graduation rates, philanthropic support, research expenditures, and patient care capacity.
Explore our latest update to see how we are achieving these milestones and why we are well-positioned to continue building on our strengths as an institution over the next three years. Explore the landing pages for each priority area to learn more about the progress and initiatives driving our success in education, research, creativity, innovation, and societal impact.
Latest Updates
Iowa Engineering turns P3 seed funding into $9.4M in NASA grants
The University of Iowa’s P3 grant program has had a transformative impact on Earth observation research in the College of Engineering, leading to faculty hires, new graduate students, critical infrastructure, and external funding, including nearly $10 million in recent NASA awards.
Iowa continues success in Rhodes Scholarship competition
Paras Bassuk has become the University of Iowa's 23rd Rhodes Scholar. Bassuk was one of 32 students selected for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarship on Nov. 16 from 865 nominees from across the United States. Iowa was one of only four public universities and the only Big Ten university to achieve a Rhodes Scholar this year.
UI receives gold rating for sustainability efforts
The University of Iowa has received a top rating for sustainability efforts by a national association focused on sustainability in higher education. The designation is the culmination of years of work to become a leader in sustainability, with related goals embedded in the strategic plan.
P3 supported research published in The Review of Higher Education
Nicholas A. Bowman, Mary Louise Petersen Chair in Higher Education and professor of educational policy and leadership studies, published a paper in The Review of Higher Education on the impact of STEM course placement on the short- and long-term academic success of undergraduate students.
Priorities and Goals
The five priorities of the strategic plan are interconnected, building upon each other to position our institution for success.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Foster high-quality teaching and dynamic educational experiences that empower all students to achieve their aspirations.
Innovative Research and Creative Discovery
Advance the success of UI scholars, researchers, and artists and build on the university’s distinctive strengths in areas of current and emerging research and creative discovery.
Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Facilitate proactive campus cultural change to cultivate a more respectful, inclusive environment.
Holistic Well-Being and Success
Provide a comprehensive foundation of support for individuals throughout all stages of their relationship with the university, beginning by attracting and retaining talented students, faculty, and staff who will contribute to a thriving university community.
Transformative Societal Impact
Expand the university’s impact on local and regional communities, the state of Iowa, and the world by leveraging its areas of distinction, the resources entrusted to it, and the collective talent of its people.
What's Next
Our Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee (SPARC) is helping the university reach new heights. For the strategic plan to be successful, we need continued participation and support from members of the campus community. Your ideas, input, and engagement are critical to us achieving our goals.