Dana Thomann, University of Iowa associate professor of instruction in Rhetoric, has been named the 2026 Hudson Prize winner for her story collection, Erratics.

The University of Iowa is building a campuswide strategy for artificial intelligence to coordinate and strengthen efforts across teaching, research, and public engagement. This approach will focus on three core components that connect the entire campus: engaging across disciplines, ensuring responsible expertise, and amplifying human potential.

Every day, researchers at the University of Iowa are seeking answers to questions that will change the health and well-being of people who live in our state and beyond. External funding in fiscal year 2026 allowed UI researchers to translate ideas into discoveries.

As another academic year draws to a close, UI President Barbara Wilson reflects on your hard work to support student success and have a positive impact on communities. “You have done it with a commitment to access, excellence, and stewardship that defines Iowa. It’s not easy work, and it does not go unnoticed.”

In addition to exceptional health and retirement benefits, you have access to a variety of other programs and resources that support your well-being, finances, and work-life balance — including some offered through trusted external partners. Learn what’s available to you.

Lisa Heineman, a UI professor of Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies, was interviewed about Judaism Unbound, a digitally-savvy organization founded in part as an alternative to the mainstays of American-Jewish life.

The UI Council on Teaching has named five faculty members as the 2026 recipients of the Hubbard-Walder Award for Excellence in Teaching: Theresa Bechtel, Stella Elias, Elizabeth Heineman, Brian Lai, and Jan Steyn. Honorees demonstrated outstanding teaching and meaningful contributions to curriculum and program development.

Faculty and staff across the university were recognized in February with Hawkeye High-Fives thanking them for excellent patient care, dedication to their work, and innovation in onboarding new employees.

Amanda Elkins, attorney and director of UI’s Student Legal Services, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Lola Lopes Award for Undergraduate Student Advocacy. Elkins has built a reputation for compassion, care, and commitment to ensuring that students receive free, high-quality legal support.

"Ultranatural," a new novel published by UI Press and written by Candice Wuehle of the UI Honors Program, arrives in bookstores April 14. It’s one of Iowa Magazine’s three current BookShelf Picks from UI authors, along with "Canon," by UI assistant professor of English Paige Lewis, and "Partially Devoured," by UI alum Daniel Kraus. Learn more about each book.

The University of Iowa has named Colin Gordon the recipient of the 2026 UI Distinguished Chair, honoring his remarkable scholarship, teaching, and service. Gordon, a leading historian of American public policy and political economy, joins a select group of UI faculty who have made a significant impact in their fields and at the university.

Four Iowa faculty members — Casey DeRoo, Donika Kelly, Greg LeFevre, and Mary Weber — have been selected as recipients of the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Awards for 2026. The award provides funding to tenured associate professors who have a national or international reputation in their disciplines and are exceptional teachers.