Ries named new director of UI REACH Program

Clinical professor takes the reins for Hendrickson as she begins phased retirement

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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Written by: Heather Spangler

Pam Ries, a clinical professor in the University of Iowa College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning, takes the reins as the new director of the UI REACH Program. Former director, Professor Jo Hendrickson, will continue to serve as executive director during her three-year phased retirement.

Hendrickson has directed the UI College of Education’s REACH Program since its founding in 2008. Starting July 1, Hendrickson began a phased retirement, transitioning into a new role with the program and handing over director duties to Ries.

Hendrickson says UI REACH, an acronym for Realizing Educational and Career Hopes, has impacted her as much as it has the more than 65 young adults with intellectual and learning disabilities the program has graduated in its first five years. Fifty students are enrolled in the UI REACH Program for the 2013-14 academic year.

“I want to express my gratitude to the many people who envisioned and made UI REACH a reality for students who never dreamed college was in their future,” Hendrickson says.

UI REACH is a two-year transition, certificate program that offers courses, campus-life experiences, and career preparation assistance to students who otherwise would not have a living-learning opportunity at a Big Ten university like the UI. At the time of its founding, UI REACH was one of the first programs of its kind at a major public university.

Ries has served as coordinator of the college’s Elementary Education Program and brings expertise in special education and literacy.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to work with the UI REACH program,” Ries says. “I have admired their work during the last five years and look forward to being a part of its future.”

Hendrickson’s title now changes to executive director, and she will transition into full retirement over three years. She says she will focus on specific projects including REACH OUTcomes, a five-year, $2.5 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide a network of support for UI REACH students and to examine and assess their experiences and outcomes.

To date, UI REACH has received numerous accolades and awards. Its presence in the college’s Department of Teaching and Learning contributed to the UI’s distinction as one of Best Colleges Online’s list of “20 Incredible Colleges for Special Needs Students.” UI REACH also received the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award and the UI Diversity Catalyst Award.

The program, which has drawn students from 20 states, has inspired numerous publications and presentations, and offers rich opportunities for traditional UI students to interact with diverse learners. UI REACH has grown over its first five years to include a third-year option with apartment living as well as paid internship programs in Des Moines and Milwaukee for alumni.

Nicholas Colangelo, interim dean of the College of Education, says he expects the UI REACH Program to continue to positively impact students’ lives as a cutting-edge, progressive program.

“An indication of the vitality of an organization is how successful it is in transitioning its leadership. UI REACH once again demonstrates its excellence and vitality by transitioning from an excellent director to an excellent new director,” Colangelo says. “I thank Jo and I welcome Pam. UI REACH will continue to be a benchmark in the College of Education.”