Deans’ Updates

What inspires you most about leading the Zimpleman College of Business?
I’m inspired by the increasing number of first-generation students who, like me, will experience social mobility by becoming the first in their family to earn a college degree. Nearly 30 percent of our most recent incoming undergraduate class consists of first-generation students. Watching their growth motivates me—and our faculty and staff—to invest in their success. Through such initiatives such as recognition events in Aliber Hall during First-Generation Student Week and study skills development workshops, we aim to ensure that these students feel welcome and supported.

What exciting initiatives, programs, or partnerships are underway?
Excitement is building as the Zimpleman College of Business prepares to host the second annual Business for Good Summit on May 2, 2025. This daylong event will bring together thought leaders to explore how business can be a force for good in today’s world. Participants will discuss how free enterprise can drive positive change—from neighborhoods to global communities—while fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

How is your college preparing students for the current job market and real-world challenges?
Success in today’s business world requires more than technical skills—it takes adaptability, empathy, and experience. That’s why we’re investing in initiatives to ensure that our graduates are prepared to lead. We’ve enhanced our four-year business acumen curriculum and introduced a business communications coach to help students sharpen their analytical and creative thinking, self-awareness, and communication skills.

What inspires you most about leading SJMC?
In February, we welcomed 120 Iowa high school journalism students and their teachers for our annual Winter Thaw event. Faculty, staff, and alumni led sessions on such topics as generative AI in multimedia and short-form video storytelling. Seeing so many students, educators, and professionals dedicated to ethical storytelling and communication gives me great hope for the future.

What exciting initiatives, programs, or partnerships are underway?
You’ll see in this issue that we’re launching a new Sports Media and Communication major in fall 2025, with strong interest from incoming students. Our partnership with Drake Athletics will provide hands-on opportunities to cover student-athletes and teams. Additionally, SJMC was selected as a pilot site for the Potter Digital Ambassador program, which will embed students in Iowa community newspapers to support digital initiatives, such as SEO optimization and e-newsletter development.

How can alumni stay engaged and support SJMC’s mission?
Alumni play a crucial role in mentoring students, supporting scholarships, and providing internship opportunities. Contributions to our Emerging Media Fund help ensure that students have access to cutting-edge equipment and technology. We also encourage alumni to amplify our stories on social media and connect us with prospective students.

What inspires you most about leading the College of Arts & Sciences?
Our students inspire me every day. Their resilience, diversity, and contributions to our community—at Drake and beyond—are remarkable. Each student brings a unique perspective that enriches our shared human experience, which is at the heart of everything we do. At a time when civil rights and inclusivity are more important than ever, we remain committed to fostering a welcoming and vibrant learning environment.

What exciting initiatives, programs, or partnerships are underway?
We are reimagining the arts and sciences as the foundation of a college education. Our programs blend interdisciplinary studies, real-world experience, and community engagement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of today’s workforce. More than 90 percent of our 2024 graduates gained hands-on experience through internships or undergraduate research, and more than 92 percent secured jobs or continued their education within six months of graduation.

How can alumni stay engaged and support your college’s mission?
Our students love hearing from alumni about their careers and experiences after Drake. We’re hosting an alumni career panel this spring and hope to expand similar events in the future. Alumni can also serve on advisory boards, share their expertise, and reconnect during Drake Relays.

What inspires you most about leading Cowles Library?
Cowles Library is at the intersection of knowledge, technology, and community. Our mission is to preserve the past while shaping the future of research and learning through innovation and accessibility.

What major achievements or milestones has the library reached this year?
This year, we launched a redesigned website, developed AI Literacy Guiding Principles, and expanded our digital and archival collections. We also strengthened our commitment to Open Educational Resources, reducing textbook costs for students.

How can alumni stay engaged and support Cowles Library?
Alumni can support targeted giving opportunities, donate materials to Archives & Special Collections, attend library events, or follow us on social media. Library cards are available for alumni who wish to continue accessing resources.

What inspires you most about leading the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences?
Our students, faculty, and alumni inspire me every day. Beyond excelling in their degree programs, our students are engaged leaders in athletics, music, and the arts. Our faculty go above and beyond to support their success, and our alumni remain deeply connected to Drake.

What exciting initiatives, programs, or partnerships are underway?
We are seeking accreditation for an extended, part-time PharmD program, offering new opportunities for students who cannot pursue full-time study.

How can alumni stay engaged and support the college?
Alumni can stay connected through our newsletter and social media. Those interested in updating their contact information can reach out to Molly Bath at molly.bath@drake.edu.

What inspires you most about leading the School of Education?
I’m inspired by the impact our faculty, staff, students, and alumni make every day—whether in classrooms on campus, at local schools where our student teachers gain hands-on experience, or in communities where our graduates are making a difference.

What exciting initiatives, programs, or partnerships are underway?
We recently introduced two new graduate programs and an accelerated undergraduate pathway to teaching. The Teacher Intern program provides an alternative path to teaching licensure, while the Three and Teach initiative allows undergraduates to complete their student teaching early and graduate ahead of schedule.

How can alumni stay engaged and support the school’s mission?
Our new Inspire newsletter keeps alumni informed about student achievements, faculty innovations, and mentoring opportunities. We’re also launching a mentoring network for new graduates entering the teaching profession. Alumni interested in getting involved can contact Annie Matte at annie.matte@drake.edu.

What inspires you most about leading Bright College?
This January, I taught a short course on collaborative communication to our first-year Bright College cohort. We spent time building connections, learning about each other’s backgrounds, and developing skills for close collaboration. Getting to know students beyond the classroom—their joys, worries, jobs, and ambitions—reinforces my passion for leading Bright College.

How is your college preparing students for the current job market and real-world challenges?
We are focused on transferable professional skills that prepare students for success in any career. Our curriculum emphasizes accountability, communication, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving—essential skills for today’s dynamic workforce.

How can alumni stay engaged and support your college’s mission?
Many of our alumni remain at Drake to complete their bachelor’s degrees, and we love seeing them on campus. Those who have moved on are always encouraged to stay connected. We’d love to hear updates on their lives and careers, and with Drake Relays approaching, there will be plenty of opportunities to reconnect.

What inspires you most about leading Drake Law School?
The Drake Law community is defined by a shared commitment to excellence, ethics, and service. Our faculty, students, and alumni work together to prepare outstanding lawyers who champion justice and serve their communities.

What exciting initiatives, programs, or partnerships are underway?
We’re expanding Drake Law’s national reach, starting with a Deep South Tour where we visited 12 colleges in six states to recruit top talent. Our strategic vision is built around four pillars: sustained investment, tackling critical legal issues, expanding mentorship programs, and fostering leadership opportunities.

How can alumni stay engaged and support the school’s mission?
Alumni can connect through Drake Law Connect, an online platform for networking and mentorship. They can also support students by offering internships, attending events, and amplifying our work on social media.