Drake University is proud to announce Anisa Hansen as the University’s next Associate Provost for Campus Equity & Inclusion. Stepping into the role on July 1, Hansen will succeed Terrance Pendleton, who has served in the position for the last three years and plans to return full-time to his faculty role as an Associate Professor of Mathematics.
Hansen earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in May 2002 and is currently a Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She has worked as a behavioral health clinical pharmacist at Iowa Lutheran Hospital since 2017.
Hansen has been a champion for diversity and inclusive care throughout her career and tenure at Drake, serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a campus advocate on the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and NCBI DEI teams, as well as a faculty leader of the Crew Scholars Program. Her portfolio includes peer-reviewed publications and national presentations on topics such as LGBTQ+ health inclusion, gender-affirming care, and mental health advocacy.
“Dr. Hansen represents the very best of Drake University — a dedicated educator and clinician who leads with profound empathy and a deep-seated commitment to equity,” said Drake University Provost Sue Mattison. “Her extensive work in behavioral health and mental health advocacy has consistently prioritized the dignity and inclusion of every individual. We are confident Dr. Hansen’s leadership will foster a campus environment where every student, staff, and faculty member feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
A recognized leader in her field, Hansen recently completed specialized training from the Trauma-Informed Care Institute in April 2026, earned an APhA Pain Management Certificate in May 2025, and completed the Academic Leadership Fellows Program in July 2024. She is a celebrated educator and mentor, having been named the 2026 Faculty Preceptor of the Year and receiving the 2026 Hartig Distinguished Professor Award and the 2025 Diversity Catalyst Award from the Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
“This work builds upon the dedication and hard work of the leaders whose commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful change helped lay the foundation for our progress,” said Hansen. “My work has long been grounded in a commitment to belonging, social justice, and partnerships that strengthen both campus and community. I believe deeply in the power of higher education to develop thoughtful leaders and changemakers, and I am inspired by the opportunity to align this work with the University’s broader mission.”
Pendleton’s Return to Teaching
Terrance Pendleton, an Associate Professor of Mathematics, concludes his three-year term as Associate Provost for Campus Equity & Inclusion on June 30. According to Mattison, Pendleton has served Drake students, staff, and faculty as a “trusted leader whose tireless behind-the-scenes work building community and guiding progress is often unrecognized but is clearly effective.” He returns to his first passion—teaching and mentoring students and serving the community—this summer.
Drake University’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusion Includes:
- Devoting time and resources to ensure the equitable treatment of all students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and visitors to campus.
- Intentionally reaching a broad audience in the recruitment of students, faculty, and staff, recognizing the value in diverse identities, backgrounds, and ideas.
- Ensuring all students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and visitors feel that they have been treated with respect. Teaching all faculty, staff, and students to recognize discrimination and oppression, as well as giving each individual tools to address and prevent it. Recognizing and nurturing our different, unique identities.
- Providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.