Dear members of the University of Iowa community,
As we enter the final year of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, we remain focused on sustaining the momentum we have built together while beginning to look ahead to the university’s next strategic plan. Across campus, our community continues to turn strategic priorities into meaningful progress, including the updated reSPARC Work Group, which will lead implementation of initiatives to generate revenue, improve processes, and use university resources effectively.
This edition of Plan in Progress highlights that momentum—from expanding resources and opportunities around artificial intelligence and access to health care to investing in academic spaces that will support teaching, learning, and discovery for years to come. These efforts reflect both how far we have come and the strong foundation we are building for what’s next.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the University of Iowa and for the many ways you help move our university forward.
Kevin C. Kregel |
Amplifying human potential through AI
Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education and society. The University of Iowa is preparing students, faculty, and staff for an AI-enabled future by using AI to amplify human potential while balancing innovation with responsible use.
Connecting the campus community to AI tools and expertise
The AI at Iowa website is a central hub for students, faculty, staff, researchers, and clinicians to access trusted AI resources, institutionally supported tools, training opportunities, guidance, and best practices for confidently navigating the evolving AI landscape.
Advancing innovation through AI exploration
The AI Discovery Initiative is a campuswide effort backed by more than $1 million in P3 funding to help UI faculty and staff confidently and responsibly explore AI through expanded access to university-supported tools, professional development, collaborative learning, and new research and educational opportunities.
Building practical AI skills across disciplines
The undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence helps UI students from any major build practical, in-demand AI skills through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on learning, preparing them to understand how AI is transforming their field, use AI tools effectively and responsibly, and succeed in an AI-enabled workforce.
Expanding opportunities for AI learning and engagement
UI offers a growing range of AI learning opportunities and events to help the campus community build knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore AI’s evolving impact. Upcoming events include lectures, AI Lightning Talks, education roundtables, and the AI and Society Panel Series, which brings together different perspectives to examine the opportunities and challenges of AI.
Providing access to high-impact cancer treatments
UI Health Care, including Mission Cancer + Blood, is offering eligible pancreatic cancer patients access to daraxonrasib, a promising new treatment that has demonstrated groundbreaking results for patients whose cancer progressed after chemotherapy.
Growing the health care workforce in Iowa
UI’s Health Sciences Summer Experience gives rural and low-income Iowa high school students hands-on opportunities to explore health care careers, experience college life, and connect with health professionals—helping inspire and strengthen Iowa’s future health care workforce.
Expanding physician training across the state
UI Health Care is expanding physician training through new Medicaid funding, creating additional residency positions in high-need specialties, and helping strengthen Iowa’s physician workforce and access to care across the state.
$ 595 M
Delivered by UI Health Care in 2025
Healthy Hometowns initiative expands support of rural health care
Through $12M awarded by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for two projects included in the Healthy Hometowns initiative, University of Iowa will help strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care, and advance cancer prevention, detection, and treatment statewide.
Investing in Academic Infrastructure
Planning for Iowa's financial future
The University of Iowa is investing in world-class academic facilities—from dance and health sciences to spaceflight research—that advance excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and innovation across campus.
Building the next era of dance at Iowa
The UI Department of Dance is beginning a new chapter in a renovated, state-of-the-art facility designed to support teaching, creativity, and connection. Supported in part by the university’s P3 initiative, the approximately $12 million renovation provides modern studios and technology, expanded student spaces, improved accessibility, and new opportunities for collaboration across the arts.
Creating space for the future of health sciences
The new Health Sciences Academic Building brings three growing UI programs together in a state-of-the-art facility designed to strengthen teaching, research, and clinical education. With modern laboratories, advanced technology, student-centered spaces, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, the building provides an environment where students and faculty can work together to advance health and improve quality of life.
Expanding Iowa's reach in space science
The new Iowa Spaceflight Laboratory is expanding the University of Iowa’s capabilities to design, build, and test instruments for future space missions. The $7.2 million investment transformed the seventh floor of Van Allen Hall into a state-of-the-art research environment where faculty, students, and staff can develop sophisticated spaceflight hardware—further positioning Iowa as a national leader in space science and discovery.
Additional Highlights
The university's strategic plan is ingrained in work happening across campus every day. Below are just a few recent examples of the progress happening at Iowa.