Two UI College of Education faculty are serving in new interim roles, bringing their vision and expertise to the campus and college during crucial leadership transitions, effective July 1.

Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel named Saba Rasheed Ali interim associate provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College at the University of Iowa.

Ali, professor of Counseling Psychology and associate dean for research in the College of Education, is serving in the role until a permanent appointment is made.

A faculty member at Iowa since 2003, Ali is an internationally recognized scholar whose teaching and research connect career development and counseling psychology directly to community and workforce needs.

Her mentorship and leadership have encouraged students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful work that addresses mental health needs and benefits communities across the state. She recently was named a 2025 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair in recognition of her exceptional contributions to teaching, research, and public service.

Amanda Haertling Thein, who most recently served as associate provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College, left Iowa June 30 to begin her appointment as dean at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education.

To ensure continuity and strong research leadership within the College of Education,  Ariel Aloe, Educational Measurement and Statistics professor, has been appointed interim associate dean for research in the College of Education.

Aloe brings exceptional experience in research, scholarship, and service. Since joining the University of Iowa, he has secured multiple competitive grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). 

Aloe currently serves as chair of the University Research Council, and he has played key roles on the College of Education’s Research Advisory Council. His leadership also includes serving as associate director for both the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC) and the Center for Advanced Studies in Measurement and Assessment (CASMA). 

He is an active member of several leading professional organizations, including the National Council on Measurement in Education, the American Educational Research Association, the American Statistical Association, and the Society for Research Synthesis Methodology.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation to Saba and Ariel for their exemplary service and dedication,” says UI College of Education Dean Daniel Clay. “I am confident they will provide outstanding leadership during this time of transition and continue advancing the mission of the university and our college.”