Planning for Iowa's Future
reSPARC is a University of Iowa strategic plan initiative focused on identifying opportunities to generate revenue, improve processes, and use university resources effectively. Since the initiative began in 2025, faculty, staff, and campus leaders from across the university have worked together to evaluate opportunities and develop recommendations for consideration.
How the Process Works
In the current phase, a university-level reSPARC work group coordinates implementation and helps connect projects with related strategic plan efforts. Smaller project teams bring together faculty, staff, and subject-matter experts to advance individual initiatives, with participation based on the needs of each project.
Projects may require additional analysis, consultation, or planning before changes are implemented. Timelines and next steps will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the work. Updates will be shared as projects progress.
reSPARC Work Group
Members of reSPARC:
- Emily Campbell (co-lead), associate vice president for operations and decision support, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost 
- Laura McLeran (co-lead), vice president for administrative affairs, Office of the President
- Ted Abel, director, Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Saba Ali, associate provost for graduate and professional education, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, and dean, Graduate College
- Sarah Hansen, vice president for student life, Division of Student Life
- Audra Haddy, assistant vice president for treasury operations, billing services, and budget/planning, Finance and Operations
- Denise Jamieson, vice president for medical affairs, and dean, Carver College of Medicine
- Peter Matthes, vice president for external relations and senior advisor to the president, Office of the President
- Brad Rohrer, associate vice president and CIO, ITS
Support Team:
- Kathryn Andrews, sr. executive assistant to the provost, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was reSPARC created?
The University of Iowa launched reSPARC in 2025 as part of its strategic plan to identify opportunities to generate revenue and improve operational efficiency. The initiative brought together faculty, staff, and campus leaders from across the university to examine opportunities that could support Iowa's long-term financial position while advancing its academic mission.
How has reSPARC changed since it was created?
During its first phase, reSPARC was organized into 12 teams focused on specific areas of revenue generation and operational efficiency. As the initiative moves into implementation, those teams are transitioning to a single reSPARC work group supported by smaller project teams focused on specific initiatives. Some work also may continue through other strategic plan work groups when there is a natural connection to those efforts.
What does it mean for a reSPARC project to move into implementation?
Moving into implementation means a recommendation has advanced beyond the initial idea-development stage and is ready for more focused work. Depending on the project, that work may include additional analysis, consultation with affected units or groups, detailed planning, or implementation of specific changes. Projects will move forward on different timelines based on their scope, readiness, and the coordination required.
Who is involved in reSPARC?
More than 100 individuals, including faculty, staff, and campus leaders, from 35 different units were part of the first phase of reSPARC.
As the initiative transitions to the implementation phase, a university-level reSPARC work group will coordinate the initiative and its connection to broader strategic plan efforts. Smaller project teams bring together faculty, staff, campus leaders, and subject-matter experts based on the needs of individual initiatives. This approach allows the people most familiar with a particular area to contribute to the work as projects move forward.
How can I stay informed about reSPARC's progress?
The strategic plan website will continue to serve as the central source for information about reSPARC. Updates will be shared as individual projects progress, including information about their focus, campus collaboration, and next steps. Significant developments also may be communicated through Iowa Now and other university channels.