Carolyn Colvin retires after a University of Iowa career dedicated to literacy, public education, and community-engaged scholarship. Her work with students, immigrant and refugee adult learners, and the West Liberty community reflects her belief that education is strongest when it is rooted in partnership, access, and civic participation.

The impact of special education professor emeritus Paul Michael Retish, who passed away June 10, continues to resonate through generations of educators, colleagues, and students.

Laura Gallo retires from the University of Iowa College of Education after a meaningful career preparing future school counselors, advocating for youth mental health, and emphasizing the life-changing power of supportive relationships.

Learn more about Paige Carlson, administrative services coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center, 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.

With nearly 40,000 job openings expected over the next decade, the need for more special education teachers is clear. UI’s College of Education hopes to help fill some of those vacant positions by adding a new pathway—a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education—to its undergraduate program offerings.

Recent UI College of Education graduates Olga Colmenero Carrillo, Josie Mbaye, Gianna Rocca, have been selected to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2026–27 academic year.

After more than 25 years with the College of Education, Kathy Schuh, a professor of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology and director of the Education Studies and Human Relations major, is retiring.

The University of Iowa College of Education has recognized Megan Foley-Nicpon and Seth King as recipients of the 2025–26 Collegiate Teaching Award, the college’s highest honor for exemplary teaching and mentorship.

First responders across the country are facing rising levels of stress, trauma exposure, and burnout, and the University of Iowa College of Education has been tapped to help lead a national effort to advance mental wellness for fire service, EMS, and law enforcement professionals.

The University of Iowa College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning has recognized six graduate students following its annual Student Research Award competition.