Dear University of Iowa community,

As we move through the second year of implementing our 2022-27 Strategic Plan, I am pleased to share an update on our remarkable progress. Thanks to the dedication of individuals across campus and the strategic investments supported by the P3 Program, we have already achieved several key milestones this year and are on a strong trajectory to meet many of our strategic goals by 2027. 

We have made significant strides in supporting the success of our faculty, investing in resources and initiatives designed to enhance faculty recruitment, retention, development, and recognition. Our student success efforts are also paying off, with the university achieving record four-year graduation and first- to second-year retention rates for undergraduate students. We continue to build upon these accomplishments through programs like the Excellence in Teaching and Learning P3 project, which is reshaping the educational experience in several key courses taken by the majority of undergraduate students. 

Our research landscape continues to thrive, supported by strategic investments in our infrastructure. These enhancements have boosted projects like the TRACERS mission, equipping our researchers with cutting-edge systems and equipment to test instruments for next year’s satellite launch. Our investments in interdisciplinary research are also showing promise, with several project teams submitting innovative grant proposals to address unique challenges facing our world today. 

Recognizing that our people are our greatest asset, we continue to work diligently to instill a campus culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and well-being for all our students, faculty, and staff. The Inclusive Leadership Summit resulted in valuable conversations and strategies to create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging. Increasing access to resources, such as the UI 24/7 Support and Crisis Line and on-demand mental health training, is part of a larger comprehensive approach to improving well-being by first addressing the fundamental needs of our university community.

In addition to supporting the health and well-being of our university community, we are also advancing health care for all Iowans. Our efforts to increase access to patient care include the establishment of new urgent care clinics in the Quad Cities and continuing to offer vital health care, such as pediatric mental health services, in underserved and rural communities. 

In closing, I want to thank you for your continued support of our strategic plan implementation. The dedication and collaborative spirit of our community has been instrumental to our success so far. We will continue to move forward, guided by our shared vision and values, to achieve a brighter future for the University of Iowa.

Warm regards,

Kevin C. Kregel
Executive vice president and provost