Whether you were out of town, on vacation, or unplugged for the summer, here are 10 things you may have missed.
UI submits letter of intent to purchase Mercy Iowa City
On Aug. 7, the UI submitted a letter of intent to purchase Mercy Iowa City when the hospital filed for bankruptcy. The letter outlined the potential to transition Mercy Iowa City to become part of UI Health Care, pending further approval by the bankruptcy court. The transition would avoid significant disruption in access to health care for many in the community and state.
More than 100 UI classrooms receive upgrades
As part of an initiative to improve student success, the university spent about $2 million to modernize 175 classrooms in 25 buildings over the summer. Upgrades included new furniture and other features designed to make classrooms more inclusive, accessible, and mobile.
Denise Jamieson becomes new VPMA, Carver College dean
Denise J. Jamieson began her role as the vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine on Aug. 1. Jamieson came to Iowa from Emory University and replaced Brooks Jackson, who held the position for six years.
Beth Goetz named UI’s interim athletics director
Beth Goetz took the helm of the UI athletics department Aug. 1 when she began serving as interim director of athletics. Goetz has served as deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer since September 2022 and replaces Gary Barta on an interim basis. Barta retired Aug. 1.
Ann McKenna becomes new College of Engineering dean
Ann McKenna, formerly the vice dean of strategic advancement at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University and professor of engineering in the Polytechnic School, began her role as dean of the College of Engineering on Aug. 16. McKenna replaced Harriet Nembhard, became president of Harvey Mudd College.
Renowned Iowa physics professor, researcher Craig Kletzing dies
Craig Kletzing, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and decorated researcher in space plasma and experimental physics, died Aug. 10. In his nearly 30 years at Iowa, he was directly involved in 30 near-Earth or space missions, the most prominent when he won a $115 million contract from NASA for the TRACERS mission to study the mysterious, powerful interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.
Iowa women’s basketball sells out Carver-Hawkeye Arena for upcoming season
Season tickets for 2023-24 Iowa women’s basketball sold out at Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the first time in program history, the athletics department announced Aug. 14. Iowa is coming off a historic season in which it won a school-record 31 games, finished as national runner-up, and was second in the country in attendance.
UI begins offering new mental health benefit
Starting July 1, employees who are members of UIChoice and UISelect health plans and their covered dependents began receiving access to free virtual mental health visits through Doc on Demand. This new benefit is part of the university’s ongoing effort to prioritize mental health for its employees. Visit the university benefits webpage for more information.
Iowa Now website redesigned for faculty and staff
The university now has a website that gathers all the news and information that faculty and staff need to know and have at their fingertips. The Iowa Now website was redesigned to include important university announcements, news you can use, resources, and easier ways to reach us.
UI suspends UPASS program for Iowa City Transit riders starting Aug. 1
The Iowa City Transit system became fare-free on Aug. 1 as part of a two-year pilot program. The university has suspended its UPASS program for Iowa City Transit, while UPASS for Coralville Transit remains unchanged.