Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel has named Saba Rasheed Ali interim associate provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College at the University of Iowa, effective July 1.

Ali, professor of counseling psychology and associate dean for research in the College of Education, will serve in the role until a permanent appointment is made.

A faculty member at Iowa since 2003, Ali is an internationally recognized scholar whose teaching and research connect career development and counseling psychology directly to community and workforce needs.

Her mentorship and leadership have encouraged students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful work that addresses mental health needs and benefits communities across the state. She recently was named a 2025 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair in recognition of her exceptional contributions to teaching, research, and public service.

“I am grateful to Saba for stepping into this important leadership role,” says Kregel. “Her strong administrative record and experience supporting students and faculty make her exceptionally well-suited to guide the Graduate College during this transition.”

The university announced on May 1 that it was temporarily pausing the search for a new associate provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College.

Amanda Haertling Thein, who currently serves as associate provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College, will leave Iowa after June 30 to begin her appointment as dean at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education.