As one of the newest members of the university’s leadership team, I feel incredibly privileged to be welcomed into the University of Iowa family. I am honored to be part of a premier public research university that puts students first. Most of all, I am excited to be part of a community that is building a culture of success—a culture in which we expect excellence from ourselves and from one another, and in which we support a path to personal achievement for every Hawkeye.

Creating an environment where every student can be successful is a shared initiative. Whatever our role at the university, each one of us plays a part. Certainly, to make a difference in student success measures such as retention and graduation rates, university leaders need to make smart decisions about technology, investments, and resources. But it is critically important to pay attention to the departmental level, where faculty and advisors engage with students.

Faculty are key to student success. They are teachers and mentors, but also role models for what it means to be a scholar and how to engage with the university community. 

The university asks faculty to be alert to students who are struggling and whose academic careers might be guided back on track through early intervention. As we consider new student success initiatives, it is clear that many will rely on this faculty expertise, such as an upcoming proposal to improve retention by redesigning “gateway” courses and examining courses with high numbers of students receiving a D, F, or W grade.

Likewise, we are committed to creating an environment where faculty can do their best work and reach their professional goals. The recently announced change in the university’s promotional raise policy for tenure- and clinical-track faculty is one example of that support. It is a step in the right direction toward better recognizing faculty members’ commitment to excellence and to their students. 

Fundamental to building a culture of success across the university is attracting, supporting, and retaining a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, and the Office of the Provost is considering a series of initiatives to promote the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority faculty.

But again, the most important work will happen at the department level, where faculty, staff, and students must join in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Our students come to us with different backgrounds and experiences, and sometimes with gaps in their academic preparation.  All of our students need to know that they can count on our support, that they have resources, and that they are surrounded by enthusiastic cheerleaders as they work toward their academic goals. 

I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the important work that is happening at all levels of the university and to join with all of you as we continue building a culture of success.