News for faculty and staff

 
Sheila Baldwin has mid-length dark hair, is smiling, and wearing a dark suit jacket with a sparkling yellow I pin, and a white and black blouse.,

Sheila Baldwin named next president, CEO of UI Center for Advancement

Sheila Baldwin has been named the next president and CEO of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA). Baldwin currently serves as senior vice president for development for UICA and will begin the new role on May 4. Baldwin succeeds Lynette Marshall, who announced in July 2025 her plan to retire after leading the organization for 20 years.
Close-up of a transparent device with electrodes used to create ultrasound stimulation of nerves.

OVPR awards first-ever Large Grant Development Opportunity funds to 12 research teams

The Office of the Vice President for Research has awarded funding to 12 interdisciplinary Iowa research teams to support the development of large, competitive grant proposals. By providing these teams with the strategic resources they need to build complex grant proposals, the UI is positioned to lead the nation in addressing some of our most pressing challenges.
 
A black and gold state of Iowa.

Cancer in Iowa Report shows Iowa’s farming population had fewer than expected cancers overall

The 2026 Cancer in Iowa Report features findings from the Agricultural Health Study that show Iowa farmers had fewer than expected cancers overall compared with the general Iowa population after adjusting for age and sex. The report estimates 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and about 6,400 will die from the disease. 
A close-up of the columns of the Old Capitol museum, with black banners that says IOWA hanging between the columns.

18 staff members receive 2026 Staff Council Awards

Eighteen UI staff members received 2026 Staff Council Awards for excellence in service, innovation, improving the university community, and contributions or accomplishments that strengthen the university and benefit the state of Iowa. Learn more about this year’s awards and recipients.
 
An upward view of Old Capitol museum on a sunny spring day. Yellow tulips appear in the foreground.

Hubbard-Walder Awards recognize 5 faculty members for teaching excellence

The UI Council on Teaching has named five faculty members as the 2026 recipients of the Hubbard-Walder Award for Excellence in Teaching: Theresa Bechtel, Stella Elias, Elizabeth Heineman, Brian Lai, and Jan Steyn. Honorees demonstrated outstanding teaching and meaningful contributions to curriculum and program development.
Two yellow hands clapping together in a "high-five"

Hawkeye High-Five: Employees go ‘above and beyond’ for patients, colleagues

Faculty and staff across the university were recognized in February with Hawkeye High-Fives thanking them for excellent patient care, dedication to their work, and innovation in onboarding new employees.
 
UI Men's basketball coach Ben McCullum as an adult and as a young boy standing with Tom Davis, the UI basketball coach at the time.

Kids with big dreams grew up to lead the Hawkeyes

Before they were leading colleges, making discoveries, or coaching winning teams, they were just kids with big dreams. This then-and-now photo gallery pairs childhood snapshots with faces you see on campus today. It’s a fun reminder that every big journey starts somewhere — usually with a great haircut, a bold outfit, and a dazzling smile.
A yellow square that says AI in the middle, surrounded by off shoots of lines and dots to represent AI and technology

Everyday AI and privacy: 3 scenarios you might face at work

AI can make quick work of responding to an email or analyzing a spreadsheet, but it comes with the risk of exposing personal or restricted information, financial data, and more. Learn when to use university-supported AI and when it’s OK to use public AI.
 
The twelve winners of the OVPR awards, standing in two rows outside on the steps of a building

Meet the winners of the 2026 student, postdoctoral research excellence awards

The Office of the Vice President for Research recently recognized 11 outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers who are directly addressing critical issues facing Iowans and beyond, including cancer treatment, dementia care, and the effects of civil war on children.

Support others’ passion while preventing burnout

Caring deeply about your work can fuel engagement but also put you at risk for burnout. Learn practical ways to support colleagues’ passions while reinforcing healthy boundaries, recognizing what motivates others, and creating a culture where people feel valued and able to sustain their well-being. 
 
A yellow text that says IOWA, a thin black line below it, and under the line it says Staff Council in black text.

Staff Council recap: Recognition programs, Hills Bank partnership update, and more

Check out some of the recent presentations delivered at the March Staff Council meeting. Learn about ways to recognize staff, how to improve your workplace ergonomics, and access campus recreational services. You can also find an update on the UI partnership with Hills Bank to provide financial coaching.

In the know: More news, information, and resources

  • Register your bike on Bike Index: Thinking about riding your bike to work this spring and summer? Now is a good time to register your bicycle on Bike Index. It’s free and can help return your bike to you if it's lost or stolen.
  • 100 Days of Accessibility: The university’s third annual 100 Days of Accessibility offers training, workshops, and other resources to increase awareness, develop skills, set goals, and inspire knowledgeable action toward digital accessibility. Opportunities run through May 21.
  • Need branded gifts or apparel for graduation events? Celebrate your unit or program with branded items from the merchandise storefront. A range of items from jackets and polos to journals and drinkware is available to order. Order in early April for timely delivery ahead of graduation season. 

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