Transformational Faculty Hiring Program will provide funding to attract outstanding faculty in strategic areas

The University of Iowa Office of the President and Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost are launching a program to hire tenured faculty who can have a transformational impact on the university because of their expertise in strategic areas of scholarship and teaching.

The Transformational Faculty Hiring Program will provide central funding to help colleges attract outstanding faculty in key areas of innovation and interdisciplinary strength. Up to three scholars will be recruited per year for three years, beginning in FY2024.

“I am really excited about this program because it will bring to our campus faculty innovators who can hit the ground running with their established records,” says President Barbara Wilson. “These individuals become magnets, fostering rich and unexpected collaborations across campus and helping us attract new talent to our university and state.”

Expected qualifications of candidates include:

• • Expertise in areas of high strategic impact to the university
  • Established national/international reputation
  • Consistent record of cutting-edge scholarship or creative works
  • Record of interdisciplinary and/or innovative collaboration
  • Ability to enhance diversity at the departmental and collegiate level
  • Strong record of external funding where appropriate
  • Working in areas of high student demand/interest

The program will provide central funding of up to $1.5 million per faculty hire, to be used in support of the faculty member’s research and teaching.  Additional funds for salary support will be provided by the relevant colleges.

“With this new program, we will be able to hire exceptional faculty members who have the expertise to help us make major strides forward in strategic areas,” says Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel. “Attracting these individuals to join our community of scholars will invigorate and extend the outstanding work we do here.”

Strategic areas of current and emerging excellence will be identified by faculty leaders and deans, in consultation with the vice presidents for research and for health affairs.  Proposals for the hiring program will be reviewed by a small committee involving the president and provost.