College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Image of fall leaves and the sun peeking through with the Old Capitol gold dome in the background, with the words

As autumn finally begins to settle in and the campus comes alive with crisp air and vibrant colors, this edition of the faculty and staff newsletter celebrates recent achievements and moments of connection. Highlights include a recap of our CLAS Alumni Fellow’s inspiring presentation to students, faculty, staff, and friends—an event that showcased the strength and spirit of our academic community.

CLAS announcements

A woman in a purple shirt gestures while smiling and teaching to a room full of students with laptops

SAVE THE DATE: CLAS Teaching Excellence Showcase

You're invited to the second annual CLAS Teaching Excellence Showcase on Friday, Nov. 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Seminar Room in the UCC Conference Center (UCC 2520D).

Image: Old Capital building with gold dome; yellow flowers in foreground

Employee updates

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating CLAS staff on their hiring, promotion, or transfer within the college. Check out this list of CLAS employee updates from last month.

Featured achievements

Lessons from late night producer Eric Leiderman

Eric Leiderman has been named the 2025 CLAS Alumni Fellow, an honor recognizing distinguished alumni for their contributions to society, their professions, and the University of Iowa. As part of the fellowship, Leiderman returned to campus to engage with students and faculty and share insights from his professional journey.

Teresa Mangum smiles in front of full bookshelf

CLAS English, GWSS faculty member recognized for efforts to support the humanities

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty member Teresa Mangum is the 2025 recipient of the Francis March Award, a prestigious recognition of her contributions the field of English.

Spotlight CLAS

Brandon Dean stands outside an orthodox church talking with his students before going in.

CLAS Religious Studies faculty member brings students and community together

Brandon Dean, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Religious Studies, blends his interests of religion and popular culture into engaging public events.

Student weaves willow in folk horror writing class

CLAS Cinematic Arts faculty member finds creative ways to immerse students in hands-on learning

Rachel Yoder, assistant professor of screenwriting in the Department of Cinematic Arts, is finding new ways to expose her folk horror narratives course to real life inspiration.

Upcoming events

Image of trees and headstones at night with the words "Cemetery Walk with Prof. Brandon Dean"

Cemetery Walk with Professor Brandon Dean

Saturday, Nov. 1
1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Oakland Cemetery

Learn how to "read" a cemetery, explore the porous boundaries between the living and the dead, meet the Black Angel, and more! This event is free and open to the public.

Image of a man in a black and white and blue jacket in a kaleidoscope view.

Texture: How Polarity Yields Five Codes of Music

Monday, Oct. 27
7:30 p.m.
Voxman Music Building

Professor Matthew Arndt hosts a cosmic-themed music and poetry event featuring a debut animated video by Rabalais Productions and a new percussion piece by Professor Sam Young. This concert is free and open to the public.