Dear Alumni and Friends,
Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni hail from all 99 Iowa counties, all 50 states, and 84 countries. Hawkeyes from the College of Education are virtually everywhere.
This edition of the Iowa Education magazine highlights the College of Education’s positive impact on rural communities.
Rural communities are vital to Iowa’s culture and economy but face challenges due to a lack of mental health experts.
Our college’s mission is to advance education and mental health in Iowa and beyond, aiming to create the best outcomes for all.
I am proud of the work our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are doing to live our mission and improve the quality of life for everyone, but especially in rural regions.
In this edition, you’ll read about one student who is a shining example of our many talented and compassionate students who are making a difference in schools and communities across the state, nation, and world. Learn how counseling psychology student Aubrey McEnroe from Algona, Iowa, plans to return to her family farm, offering affordable mental health counseling while also farming.
Read the story on how our Scanlan Center for School Mental Health partners with schools, offering a mental health training fellowship for paraeducators, the first of its kind in Iowa.
You’ll also learn about our new undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Behavioral Health Services, with the first cohort joining this fall. This is especially crucial given the shortage of mental health experts in 88 Iowa counties.
A rural spotlight series features alumni working in vibrant communities across the state in teaching, counseling, administrative positions, and other fields where Iowa is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. You’ll enjoy learning about alumni like Connor Muston of Keokuk, Iowa, who overcame challenges to graduate with a UI REACH certificate and is pursuing a career in welding.
We are especially proud of our first-generation and student Veterans. You’ll read about several of them, along with the contributions of our faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners through teaching, research, and service.
Hawkeyes are everywhere, and I look forward to continuing our work together, cultivating stronger communities and a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.
Sincerely,
Daniel L. Clay, PhD, MBA
Dean and Professor
