National survey highlights excellence in Law, Health Sciences, and Education Drake University has once again been recognized as an exceptional school for advanced professional education, with multiple programs ranked among the top in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings. The national survey recognized Drake for its strong...
Category: Official News Releases
Terry Branstad Concludes Tenure as Ambassador-in-Residence Following Years of Global Impact at Drake University
Drake University announced today thatcwill conclude his service as the University’s Ambassador-in-Residence. Ambassador Branstad, a distinguished alumnus of the Drake University Law School, has served in the residency role since November 2021. During his tenure, Ambassador Branstad leveraged his decades of public service to enrich the Drake community through his unique insights into leadership, international...
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center Seeks Nominees for Annual Iowa Character Awards
Nominations for the 2026 Iowa Character Awards presented annually by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University are now open. The Iowa Character Awards honor individuals, organizations, or communities who consistently demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more...
Drake University Director of Athletics Brian Hardin Recognized as NACDA Athletics Director of the Year
Drake University Director of Athletics Brian Hardin has been named a winner of the 2026 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year Award, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics announced on March 16. Hardin is just the second Drake Athletics Director to earn this award, which was first presented in 1999. Hardin joins Sandy Hatfield Clubb,...
Zombie Studies Scholar C. Wylie Lenz to Speak at Drake University
Drake University’s Susan Glaspell Writers & Critics Series will host C. Wylie Lenz for a lecture, “The Evolving Zombie in Film and Fiction,” on Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m. The event will be held in the Cowles Library Reading Room, is free and open to the public, and will include refreshments. Lenz will explore...
Drake University Announces Winners of 2026 Alumni Awards
The annual alumni awards recognize outstanding Drake University alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to the Drake community. The Drake University National Alumni Association Board of Directors announced today the 2026 recipients of its annual Alumni Awards. Recipients of this year’s awards include accomplished experts in global media and storytelling, innovative tech founders, and influential...
Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business Announces 2026 Social Impact Award Winners
Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business today announced the recipients of the 2026 Social Impact Awards for Research and Outreach. These annual awards, valued at $5,000, recognize faculty and staff who model positive societal impact through work that aligns with the College’s “North Star” mission: ensuring business education serves as a force for good. To...
Drake University announces contestants for the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest®
Drake University is excited to announce the 24 hopeful English Bulldogs that will compete in the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest. The annual competition is a beloved tradition that kicks off a week-long Drake Relays celebration. This year’s Beautiful Bulldog Contest will take place Sunday, April 19, at the Knapp Center from 2–3 p.m. Doors...
Drake University Names Professor Natalie Bayer Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Drake University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Natalie Bayer as the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences for a one-year term. Bayer, a professor of history and seasoned administrator, will succeed Dean Gesine Gerhard, who is stepping down after eight years at the end of the academic year. During Bayer’s...
POSTPONED: All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge
All In: Drake’s 24-Hour Giving Challenge scheduled for March 4–5 from noon-to-noon has been postponed due to the passing of Drake University student, Sgt. Declan Coady, who was confirmed to be among the six U.S. service members killed in Kuwait on Sunday. Please join us as we come together as a community to honor the...








