News for faculty and staff

 
A close-up of Colin Gordon, a man with close cropped salt and pepper hair, wearing a black polo shirt.

Colin Gordon named 2026 UI Distinguished Chair

The University of Iowa has named Colin Gordon the recipient of the 2026 UI Distinguished Chair, honoring his remarkable scholarship, teaching, and service. Gordon, a leading historian of American public policy and political economy, joins a select group of UI faculty who have made a significant impact in their fields and at the university.
Paths cutting through the Pentacrest, leading to the Old Capitol building on a spring day. The sky is a vibrant blue with puffy, fair weather clouds.

4 faculty members receive 2026 Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Awards

Four Iowa faculty members — Casey DeRoo, Donika Kelly, Greg LeFevre, and Mary Weber — have been selected as recipients of the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Awards for 2026. The award provides funding to tenured associate professors who have a national or international reputation in their disciplines and are exceptional teachers.
 
Fatima Toor, a woman with short black hair in a bob style, black glasses, a red shirt and a UI jacket. She's standing against a mirrored building and you can see her reflection behind her.

Fatima Toor named Senior Member of National Academy of Inventors

Fatima Toor, professor of electrical and computer engineering and Lowell G. Battershell Chair in Laser Engineering, has been named a 2026 Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. The honor highlights emerging academic inventors who have demonstrated success in patents, licensing, commercialization, and research that positively impacts society. 
A yellow and white hand with three yellow circles hovering above it. One circle contains a dollar sign, one has a plus sign (cross), and the third has a drawing of a tooth.

New benefit: Voluntary short-term disability insurance now available

Enrollment is open through March 13 for benefits-eligible employees to opt into MetLife short-term disability insurance, which can help replace part of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. Coverage begins April 1. Learn more about the new, voluntary benefit and how to enroll.
 
Three students walking cheerfully through a downtown Iowa City restaurant area, with outdoor seating to their left.

New report affirms UI’s strong economic impact on state

The University of Iowa continues to be a major economic driver for the state of Iowa, supporting jobs, generating business activity, and contributing to Iowa’s long-term economic growth. This impact was central to a study presented to the Iowa Board of Regents at its February meeting. Read more about the report’s findings.
A white water tower that has IOWA painted on the top. The sky is a bright blue and trees frame the tower in the foreground.

UI, ENGIE bringing new water tower into service

The University of Iowa and ENGIE, Iowa’s utility operator, are bringing a new, larger water tower into service now through March 13. The tower provides a significant increase in water storage capacity for campus and improves reliability. Here’s what you need to know about the transition.
 
A yellow speech bubble with black text that says We're Here For You.

Tips for staying grounded during times of change

Change is a constant in higher education, and staying grounded supports both well-being and effectiveness. Focusing on hope — not as wishful thinking, but as a steady, intentional practice — can create clarity and forward momentum. Small, purposeful actions and strong connections help sustain energy, resilience, and confidence in what comes next.
A stylized yellow and white clock with hands pointing at 4 a.m.

Timely reminder: Daylight saving time begins Sunday

For much of the United States, daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. On Saturday night, remember to set your clocks — analog, alarm, and appliance — ahead one hour so you make it to your Sunday morning activities on time. Enjoy the extended daylight!

In the know: More news, information, and resources

  • Union Station closing permanently on March 13: As part of the Iowa Memorial Union renovation project, Union Station will close permanently, and new food options will open after renovations are complete. This spring, food trucks will be available in Hubbard Park, and the Hawk Shop café on the IMU ground floor will continue to offer food options.
  • 2025–26 1stGen@Iowa Award recipients announced: Two UI students and two faculty and staff recipients will receive the 2025–26 1stGen@Iowa awards at a ceremony on March 5. Learn more about the award and the recipients.
  • Apply now for the Obermann end-of-year writing retreat: Need to jump-start or wrap up your book manuscript, article, or grant application? This small group writing retreat, May 11–14, provides four days of focus, writing, discussion, and creativity-sparking activities. Participation is limited to 15 people and applications are due March 13.

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