Deans’ Updates

Gesine Gerhard
College of Arts and Sciences
Gesine Gerhard headshot
“The Ones campaign has tremendously impacted the College of Arts and Sciences and will shape our outstanding programs for years to come. We could not be more grateful for the visionary engagement and tremendous generosity of our alumni donors. We have two endowed professorships that will provide support for faculty research, student learning in classrooms, labs, and in the field, and enhance Drake’s science programs for years to come. We couldn’t do it without the support of our alumni.”
Alejandro Hernandez headshot
Alejandro Hernandez
Zimpleman College of Business
“The Ones campaign has been instrumental in shaping the future of Zimpleman College of Business, enabling us to advance our mission of preparing students for meaningful careers that positively impact society. Through the campaign’s support, we are able to create opportunities that foster responsible leadership and equip our students to contribute to both the global economy and society.”
Craig Owens
John Dee Bright College
Craig Owens headshot
“John Dee Bright College emerged from the Big Ideas process that laid the foundation for The Ones campaign and has since embodied the campaign’s celebration of plurality. As a cohort-based program with the motto, ‘We make each other better,’ Bright College fosters a learning community where students support, challenge, and celebrate one another. The program stands out as Drake’s most diverse, encompassing a wide range of backgrounds, including age, race, gender identity, and more. This pluralism not only reflects the institution’s values but also serves as a model for inclusivity and curiosity, inspiring creativity and moral sensitivity. Bright College continues to thrive, deeply grateful for the support that has made this success possible.”
Ryan Wise headshot
Ryan Wise
School of Education
“The Ones campaign’s focus on the Pursuit of Excellence helped increase access to the School of Education. Individual generosity fueled a collective effort that will enable us to prepare, support, and inspire the next generation of educators and leaders.”
Catherine Staub
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Catherine Staub headshot
“The Ones campaign has been truly transformational for Drake University and our students in the SJMC. SJMC Strategic Political Communication and Multimedia Journalism majors have participated in conversations with Bob Woodward and Charlie Cook through support from the new Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy. Generous donors established and contributed to scholarships through The Ones campaign that have enabled SJMC students to travel to New York City to meet with editors from top national publications and create award-winning films that were accepted to national and international film festivals.”
Roscoe Jones headshot
Roscoe Jones
DRAKE LAW SCHOOL
“The Ones campaign has been transformative for the Law School, providing critical resources that have enhanced our programs, expanded student opportunities, and strengthened our community partnerships. Thanks to the generous support, we’ve been able to offer more scholarships, enrich our experiential learning programs, and ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the legal profession with confidence and skill.”
Erik Maki
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Erik Maki headshot
“As a new dean, I am in awe of the generosity of our alumni in support of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) through The Ones campaign. For example, over more than $1.2 million were committed from leadership levels gifts to increase scholarships provided to CPHS students. This, and continued support of scholarships in our college, are vital to increase access to the high-quality, high-touch education that we provide at Drake University.”
Brick building with arched windows and a monument displaying the Drake University seal.
Teri Koch and Hope Bibens
Cowles Library
Teri Koch and Hope Bibens served as co-interim deans of Cowles Library through early fall, 2024. Teri Koch was announced dean of Cowles Library in November 2024 and will be featured in future issues.
“Cowles Library, a vibrant hub of activity and knowledge at the heart of Drake University, has been further enhanced thanks to your generous support through The Ones campaign. Your contributions have improved accessibility with new signage throughout the library and enriched our University Archives and Special Collections through digitization and environmental monitoring initiatives. These improvements ensure that Cowles Library remains an essential, dynamic resource for current and future generations of Drake students.”