College of Education Office of Strategic Communications staff are ready to help connect media with University of Iowa College of Education expert sources, provide information about our initiatives, history, and people, and share our college’s story. 

Media Inquiries

Please contact:

Lois J. Gray

Director of Strategic Communications
319-335-5347 (office)
319-430-3740 (cell)
lois-gray@uiowa.edu

News

Woman stands in front of fire place

Alumna’s leadership approach shaped at Iowa

Thursday, March 20, 2025
Alumna Kristi Mindrup’s journey to the presidency of Western Illinois University was shaped by her education at the University of Iowa, where she earned a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies. The knowledge, mentorship, and research experience she gained at Iowa prepared her to lead WIU with a commitment to student success and institutional growth.
Herky the Hawk in costume interacts with high school student in middle of crowded ballroom

Educators Rising State Conference inspires students to pursue teaching careers

Monday, March 17, 2025
Approximately 120 high school students and teachers from eight school districts across Iowa gathered for the annual Educators Rising State Conference and Competitions – an event designed to inspire and support students interested in pursuing careers in education.
Woman smiling in front of the Lindquist Center

Staff Spotlight: Becky Vargas

Thursday, March 13, 2025
Learn more about Becky Vargas, Academic Program Management Specialist in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, and what she most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this Staff Spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.
Saba Rasheed Ali, PhD, professor of counseling psychology and associate dean for research

Ali selected as UI Distinguished Chair

Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Counseling Psychology Professor Saba Ali has been selected as a 2025 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair, one of the highest honors bestowed on UI faculty.
Man smiles into camera in office.

Staff Spotlight: Tim Hazen

Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Learn more about Tim Hazen, Director of Test Development, and what he most enjoys about working with the Iowa Testing Programs in this staff spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.
People listening to a presentation at a UI facility

UI offering multiple opportunities to hear Leigh Patel, Ida Cordelia Beam Visiting Professor

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Leigh Patel, Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa, will be presenting March 3-7 at multiple locations in Iowa City.
College of Education students Olga Colmenero Carrillo and Josie Mbaye pose in front of Lindquist Center

In the news: Future educators awarded Gilman Changemaker grant to turn global experiences into local impact

Monday, February 24, 2025
College of Education students Olga Colmenero Carrillo and Josie Mbaye are using their personal experiences of growth, international exploration, and educational challenges to create positive change and address learning barriers in Iowa.
Iowa City West High School principal and University of Iowa College of Education alumnus Mitch Gross

In the news: COE alumnus finalist for principal of the year

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Iowa City West High School principal and College of Education alumnus Mitch Gross was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Iowa High School Principal of the Year.
Man smiling next to UI REACH mural.

Staff Spotlight: Brian Campbell

Friday, February 14, 2025
Learn more about Brian Campbell, alumni support specialist with UI REACH, and what he most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this Staff Spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.
Seamus and Ted Abel standing in front of the UI Neuroscience Institute sign

In the news: Belin-Blank Center’s 2E Academy highlighted by UI

Friday, February 14, 2025
The Abel family considers acceptance into the Belin-Blank Center’s Academy for Twice-Exceptionality a definitive moment and transformative opportunity for their son Seamus.
Teacher reads book to students in classroom.

Alumna blends love of agriculture with love of teaching

Monday, February 10, 2025
Alumna Kerri Bell's passion for teaching was planted at the University of Iowa College of Education, cultivating a successful lifelong career.
a PhD student in the counseling psychology program

McEnroe selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Friday, February 7, 2025
Aubrey McEnroe, a PhD student in the counseling psychology program, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
asmin Msuya, a PhD student in the literacy culture, and language education program

Msuya selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Friday, February 7, 2025
Jasmin Msuya, a PhD student in the literacy culture, and language education program, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
Kun Wang, a PhD student in the counseling psychology program

Wang selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Friday, February 7, 2025
Kun Wang, a PhD student in the counseling psychology program, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
Maria-Victoria Perez, a PhD student in the higher education and student affairs program

Perez selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Friday, February 7, 2025
Maria-Victoria Perez, a PhD student in the higher education and student affairs program, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
HESA PhD student Mavis Gyesi

Gyesi selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Friday, February 7, 2025
Mavis Gyesi, a PhD student in the higher education and student affairs program, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
Chris Patterson, Postdoctoral scholar, psychological and quantitative foundations

Patterson selected for 'Dare to Discover' campaign

Friday, February 7, 2025
Chris Patterson, a postdoctoral scholar in the department of psychological and quantitative foundations, was selected to be featured in this year’s OVPR campaign.
Man standing in balcony of large auditorium

Alumnus Jon Sexton inspires others as a leadership champion

Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Alumnus Jon Sexton returned to the University of Iowa as the keynote speaker for the 2024 College of Education fall commencement, where he shared his experiences and insights from college and his career.
Woman smiling into camera outside of the Lindquist Center.

Staff Spotlight: Delaney Thoma

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Learn more about Delaney Thoma, administrative services coordinator in the College of Education Administration Dean's Office and Office of Student Services, and what she most enjoys about working in the College of Education in this Staff Spotlight series. The series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the college such a special place to work.
two students walk by the Lindquist Center on a bright, sunny day.

UI College of Education’s online programs nationally ranked

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Two of the college’s online master’s programs have earned national recognition.