The University of Iowa is launching a campuswide initiative as part of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan to explore long-term strategies for increasing revenue and improving operational efficiency.  

The Revenue and Efficiencies Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee (reSPARC) will focus on identifying opportunities for revenue growth and increased efficiencies across campus, with the goal of ensuring that Iowa maintains its strong financial trajectory for years to come.

By launching this effort from a position of financial health, the university will be able to build upon its success at a time when higher education is navigating significant disruption, from the anticipated demographic enrollment cliff to a decline in public trust and growing financial constraints. 

“At Iowa, we have an opportunity to lead by being proactive rather than reactive,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “Instead of waiting for challenges to dictate our choices, we are creating structures and strategies that position us for continued success.”

Collaboration with purpose

The reSPARC initiative will be integrated into the collaborative framework established by the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. Nearly 100 faculty, staff, and leaders from 35 units across campus have agreed to be involved in reSPARC. They will be organized into teams tasked with generating ideas for revenue growth and for ways to create administrative efficiencies, all in support of the university’s long-term financial sustainability.

“Collaboration has always been one of Iowa’s greatest assets,” says President Barbara Wilson, noting that “reSPARC allows us to bring people together across disciplines and units to find innovative ways to strengthen our mission while planning for the future.”

Each team will develop proposals focused on innovative revenue opportunities and operational improvements. These proposals will be reviewed by reSPARC leadership and advanced to the president and provost for evaluation and potential implementation.

“Our goal is to create a pipeline of actionable, well-vetted ideas that will have a real impact,” Wilson says. “This is not about quick fixes—it’s about building a foundation for sustained growth and excellence.”

More details about reSPARC, including its team members, initial focus areas, and frequently asked questions, are available on the strategic plan website at strategicplan.uiowa.edu/resparc.