Dear members of the University of Iowa community,
We are pleased to share the remarkable progress the University of Iowa has made in implementing our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. Throughout our history, the university has demonstrated our commitment to teaching, research, and public service. Today, just two years into implementing the plan, we are seeing how great our impact can be in these areas.
Our commitment to student success has never been stronger. Thanks to strategic initiatives that emphasize high-quality teaching, personalized student support, and increased opportunities for impactful learning experiences, we have set new records for retention and graduation rates that put us on track to exceed the targets we have set for 2027.
Investments in P3 projects, such as the Excellence in Teaching and Learning (ETL) initiative, are central to the impressive results we are achieving. The ETL initiative has helped thousands of UI students be more successful in introductory STEM courses by implementing curricular updates across multiple departments, engaging students as partners in course development, and creating a peer mentorship program for teaching assistants. Additional P3 investments are providing students with personalized career development recommendations, evaluating the impact of academic policies on retention, and assessing how the university can be most effective with its need-based financial assistance.
The P3 program has also been instrumental in fueling interdisciplinary research and elevating areas of distinction at our university. For example, a P3 project aimed at advancing Iowa’s excellence in space-based research has not only strengthened our ties with NASA but also opened new avenues for UI researchers to explore innovative approaches for monitoring environmental challenges such as flooding, drought, heat waves, and wildfires. Additionally, through the Transformational Faculty Hiring Program and the High Impact Hiring Initiative (HIHI), we have attracted and retained faculty whose leadership is driving research and innovation across campus.
Increasing student success and growing our research enterprise requires a campus environment that is welcoming, respectful, and prioritizes the well-being of our entire campus community. Initiatives like the expansion of the UI Support and Crisis Line and the development of a new Well-Being at Iowa website underscore our commitment to creating a healthy, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Beyond campus, we are extending our reach through statewide mental health programs, expanded healthcare services, and efforts to improve access to medical care in rural communities.
The work we do is transforming lives and communities, and it is thanks to the energy, dedication, and innovation of our university community that we are achieving new levels of success. As we enter the third year of our strategic plan, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Thank you for your commitment to our shared mission. We look forward to even greater achievements in the years ahead.
Barbara J. Wilson |
Kevin C. Kregel |
