Kathy Schuh, a professor of Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology and director of the Education Studies and Human Relations (ESHR) major, is retiring after more than 25 years of service to the University of Iowa and College of Education. 

Working in higher education is something Schuh was initially drawn to when she was an employee and graduate student at North Dakota State University.

“I thought the collaboration and collegiality among the faculty was very positive and this dynamic was something I was interested in exploring,” she explains.   

Schuh spent several years developing a well-rounded background in higher education, culminating with a PhD in Cognitive Science and Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University—a field she was interested in because of her K-12 teaching experience. More specifically, Schuh wanted to know more about how students thought, so studying the process of learning fit the bill.  

Schuh’s career with the University of Iowa began in August of 2000 when she was hired as faculty in the Instructional Design and Technology program. A few years later, she merged into a faculty position with Educational Psychology (presently known as Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology).

“As a learning sciences program, our faculty provide a strong foundation for many strands of this multi-disciplinary field,” says Schuh. “After a dozen or more years as LSEP program coordinator I am leaving the program in good hands and I’m excited to see how the program will continue to evolve and develop.”  

In 2020, Schuh’s experience and interdisciplinary background led to another professional opportunity: Director of the college’s ESHR major. This program, which was brand new at the time, was created for students who were looking to refine their critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills and work in alternative learning spaces that go beyond traditional classrooms.

“Our extraordinary program team has experienced many successes with ESHR. Both ESHR and our new Counseling and Behavioral Health Services undergraduate major are well positioned as strong non-licensure majors in the College of Education,” says. Schuh. “It has been exciting to see our college expand our undergraduate degree offerings to encompass the breadth of education and helping profession career opportunities.”

A formal, high-level recognition of Schuh’s highly successful and accomplished career occurred in 2025 when she was bestowed with UI’s Hancher-Finkbine faculty award, which is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the university.

“Kathy has made lasting contributions to the Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations and the larger college through her years of dedicated service. The professionalism, care, and support she has shown to colleagues and students alike will be greatly missed,” says Martin Kivlighan, P&Q department chair, professor, Counseling Psychology. “Kathy has been an integral part of our community, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter.”

Schuh says she will miss the daily interactions with faculty, staff and students, as well as the daily aspect of continuous learning.

“I’ve learned something new every day. I’ve learned a lot through the courses I’ve taught (19 different courses over 26 years) and from the students I have advised,” she says. “The College of Education has been a great place to work. I’ve raised my two daughters while working here. It’s been such a blessing to have them accompany me through this journey and I’m grateful the college has been such a supportive environment for me and my family.”

In retirement, Schuh plans to finish some previously unfinished articles and catch up on some reading. She also hopes to return to her roots as a musician and a singer by continuing in the various music groups she’s been a part of for many years.