The University of Iowa has appointed Daniel Khalastchi executive director of its new Office of Writing and Communication.
Khalastchi brings more than a decade of experience leading writing and communication programs at Iowa. Since joining the university in 2011 to help establish the Magid Center for Writing, Khalastchi has played a key role in expanding student opportunities and stewarding major donor support. He has served as director of the Magid Center since 2016, overseeing the creation of Iowa’s Undergraduate Writing Certificate and strengthening writing instruction across disciplines.
As executive director, Khalastchi will lead efforts to coordinate and enhance the university’s many writing and communication programs, ensuring they remain a core strength of the Iowa student experience.
“Danny is an award-winning writer and accomplished academic leader who has been instrumental to Iowa’s continued success in writing,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “His strategic vision and commitment to collaboration will be essential as we expand Iowa’s legacy as the ‘Writing University.’”
The university announced the creation of the Office of Writing and Communication in July to serve as a strategic hub for writing and communication on campus. Housed in the Office of the Provost, the new office will support existing units on campus while strengthening shared resources, streamlining coordination, and amplifying Iowa’s national reputation for writing and communication excellence.
Khalastchi’s first year in the role will focus on defining the structure and goals for the office and expanding partnerships with colleges and departments.
“Writing and communication are essential in every discipline, and Iowa has long been a place where these skills are nurtured, celebrated, and elevated,” says Khalastchi. “I’m honored to serve in this new role and excited to help expand the partnerships and opportunities that make this such a powerful environment for students.”
In addition to his administrative leadership, Khalastchi has taught a range of undergraduate courses in writing and publishing. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he is the author of four acclaimed poetry collections and has earned numerous honors, including the National Jewish Book Award for Poetry and the Brittingham Prize in Poetry. Khalastchi’s writing has appeared in Granta, The American Poetry Review, Electric Lit, Best American Experimental Writing, and many other outlets. He is also co-founder and managing editor of Rescue Press, an independent literary publishing company.