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.

Eighteen University of Iowa staff members received 2026 Staff Council Awards for achievements ranging from excellence in service to accomplishments that significantly benefit the university.

The 2026 Cancer in Iowa Report features findings from the Agricultural Health Study that show Iowa farmers had fewer than expected cancers overall compared with the general Iowa population after adjusting for age and sex. The report estimates 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and about 6,400 will die from the disease.

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.

The Office of the Vice President for Research recently recognized 11 outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers who are directly addressing critical issues facing Iowans and beyond, including cancer treatment, dementia care, and the effects of civil war on children.

Researchers led by the University of Iowa have described and named a new crocodile species that roamed a region in Africa more than 3 million years ago. The species is named Lucy’s hunter, because it overlapped with the famed Lucy and her hominin kin and would have hunted them.

UI Press books marked an exceptional year in 2025, earning national recognition for fiction, poetry, and scholarly work, including a Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. These achievements continue to strengthen Iowa’s reputation as the “Writing University.”

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.

For a decade, Hawkeyes have come together to strengthen the University of Iowa through One Day for Iowa. Join colleagues, alumni, and friends on Wednesday, March 25, for our 24-hour giving day and say thank you to the programs and departments that made an impact on your life.

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