The Passing of the Baton:
A New Chapter for
As she celebrated the end of her chapter as provost at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, her tenure as one of Iowa’s longest-serving provosts leaves a mark on Drake’s history. Now, the University prepares for a major milestone: welcoming Dr. Joseph M. Valenzano III, a leader ready to build on Mattison’s success.
Celebrating a Decade of Impact With provost Sue Mattison
Under her guidance, Drake created new academic programs and experiential learning opportunities, which include being among the nation’s first universities to offer students an artificial intelligence undergraduate major. She also oversaw the development of multiple local and global academic partnerships.
Her forward-thinking approach was vital during the global pandemic. Mattison’s scientific background, which includes a doctorate degree in epidemiology, became a cornerstone of the University’s response to the crisis. Drake University President Marty Martin credited her expertise with helping the school navigate those difficult times to make sure students safely continued to receive a high-quality education.
Beyond the classroom, Mattison focused on the well-being of the entire community. She grew the University’s online education programs and led important efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. This included creating a model for faculty salary adjustments to ensure fairness and recruiting a diverse range of new deans to lead the University’s colleges.
When asked what she will miss most about the University, Mattison’s answer is simple: the people.
“Serving as provost of Drake University has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” she said.
Mattison has no doubt left behind a stronger, more modern institution. And while stepping down as provost will afford her more time for family visits and international volunteer builds with Habitat for Humanity, she will continue supporting the institution as interim director of nutrition and wellness policy and senior research fellow at the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement, where she will put her decades-long experience as an epidemiologist to work researching environmental risks related to cancer in Iowa.
Welcoming Dr. Joseph M. Valenzano III to the Drake Family
“Drake University is grateful to Provost Mattison for her 10 years of unwavering commitment and for dedicating the pinnacle of her career to our mission,” said President Martin. “As we begin this new chapter, Dr. Valenzano stands as a visionary leader who understands the transformative power of education and has the collaborative spirit needed to guide us forward.”
Valenzano’s appointment was the result of a careful search that included more than 80 applicants and open meetings on campus where the community could meet the finalists. Previously the dean of the College of Communication at Butler University, Valenzano brings 20 years of experience in higher education and a history of securing major support for academic growth. At Butler, he was known for his ability to grow programs and create new hands-on learning opportunities for students.
What drew Valenzano to Drake was what he calls the “Drake DNA”—a unique blend of talented students, impactful faculty, and a community focused on a shared mission.
“Drake represents the rare combination of strengths I have loved about the places where I have had the good fortune to work and learn,” Valenzano said. “I look forward to building strong relationships throughout the Drake community and working with faculty, staff, and students to advance its spirit of innovation.”