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.

Four University of Iowa faculty members will receive the 2026 President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence, recognizing exceptional, sustained contributions to student learning and success. This year’s recipients are Colleen Bringman, Alison K. Guernsey, Ted Neal, and Chad Tracy.

Nine Iowa faculty members have been awarded Arts and Humanities Initiative grants from the Office of the Vice President for Research. The funds will be used to advance their creative works in film, photography, language and culture, music, and journalism. Learn more about their projects and how to apply for the current grant cycle, open until March 10.

Faculty and staff across the university were recognized in January with Hawkeye High-Fives to thank them for excellent patient care, dedicated service to students, and their commitment to Iowa. Read some of the recognition shared among colleagues.

Because of an Extreme Cold Warning while classes are in session, UI moved to virtual instruction on Friday, Jan. 23. Instructors will hold classes via Zoom or Teams, or in rare circumstances, cancel class and cover material at a future date. University offices and services will remain open in accordance with the UI Policy Manual.

Hawkeye High-Five is a recognition program that allows faculty and staff across the university to give a “high-five” to a colleague for their contributions, teamwork, or extra effort. More than 200 high-fives were awarded in November. Read the recognition given to some of those recipients.

As the holiday season ramps up, stress can feel unavoidable. University of Iowa psychological and brain sciences professor Jason Radley, a global and national expert on the neurobiology of stress, suggests some ways to help.

Anna Stanhewicz, UI associate professor in the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology, won the 2026 Henry Pickering Bowditch Award from the American Physiology Society.

UI political science professor Dr. Sara McLaughlin Mitchell, an expert on international conflict and cooperation, appeared on the station's Talking History podcast.