News for faculty and staff

 
A crowd of people with glow lights and wearing headphones outside Hancher Auditorium

Hancher Auditorium named a 'Billboard' 2026 top music venue

Hancher Auditorium has been named to Billboard magazine’s 2026 Top Music Venues list in the “Keeping It Indie” category, placing it in company with massive stadiums and famous theaters around the world. Other venues on the list include The Sphere in Las Vegas (Top West Coast Arena) and Preservation Hall in New Orleans (Best Concept).  
People on stage at Dance Marathon holding signs that spell out the money raised at Dance Marathon 2026: $1,695,270.32

Congratulations to Dance Marathon on your continued success

We couldn’t be prouder of each of our Hawkeyes who participated in Dance Marathon last weekend — and all of our staff and faculty who supported them. Dance Marathon 32 raised $1,695,270.32 for pediatric cancer patients and their families at UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. Go Hawks!
 
People on stage at Dance Marathon holding signs that spell out the money raised at Dance Marathon 2026: $1,695,270.32

Thank you for your service: Longevity Awards for October, November, December

The University of Iowa Staff Council recognizes professional and scientific and merit staff who have reached 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of continuous service. Visit the Longevity Awards page to see who achieved milestone work anniversaries in October, November, and December.
Grayson Wills in nurse's scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck. He's standing beside a hospital bed that contains a pediatric simulated patient.

UI nursing student donates stem cells to cancer patient through national registry

After losing his twin brother to cancer when no stem cell donor match was found, Grayson Wills committed to making a difference. The experience led him to pursue a nursing degree at Iowa, donate stem cells through the National Marrow Donor Program, and encourage others to join lifesaving donor registries.
 
Mylo Wells, wearing a red polo shirt and leaning on a shelf in a pharmacy

Iowa’s first pharmacist-led walk-in clinic expands health care access in rural community

Thanks to pharmacist and UI alum Mylo Wells, residents of rural Bloomfield, Iowa, can go straight to their local pharmacy for urgent care. Wells opened Iowa’s first pharmacist-led walk-in clinic in November 2025 after new legislation went into effect that allows pharmacists to diagnose and treat illnesses.
A collage of various book covers of works from 1930, including The Maltese Falcon, The Marx Brothers Animal Crackers, Betty Boop and a Nancy Drew novel.

Early Nancy Drew novels by UI alum Mildred Wirt Benson enter public domain

On Jan. 1, copyrights expired on thousands of books, artwork, and music from 1930, including the first four Nancy Drew novels, written by UI alum Mildred Wirt Benson. Now that they’re in the public domain, anyone can copy, build on, or adapt the work free of charge. Learn about other pieces on the list.

 
A group of yellow and white speech bubbles with a social media thumbs up in the middle.

UI experts offer advice on regaining control of our time on social media

Social media platforms are designed to keep you scrolling — but the habit can be hard to break. In this episode of Talk of Iowa on Iowa Public Radio, UI professors explain how social media affects your mental health and offer practical ways to set boundaries, stay present, and protect your well-being.

In the know: More news, information, and resources

  • Retirement reception for Steve Fleagle: A retirement reception in honor of Steve Fleagle, associate vice president and chief information officer, will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Stanley Café in Hancher Auditorium.
  • Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Award Symposium is March 5: Learn about and engage with exciting work happening in a variety of disciplines at the UI. The 2024–27 award cohort will share their work in fast-paced talks, followed by a public reception.
  • UI Honorary Degree nominations open: The UI Honorary Degree Selection Committee is accepting nominations for the 2026–27 cycle. Nominees should have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in designated areas over the course of their career. Nominations are due May 1.

Events